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Oral cancer

Cancer - mouth; Mouth cancer; Head and neck cancer; Squamous cell cancer - mouth; Malignant neoplasm - oral

 

Oral cancer is cancer that starts in the mouth.

Causes

 

Oral cancer most commonly involves the lips or the tongue. It may also occur on the:

  • Cheek lining
  • Floor of the mouth
  • Gums (gingiva)
  • Roof of the mouth (palate)

Most oral cancers are a type called squamous cell carcinoma. These cancers tend to spread quickly.

Smoking and other tobacco use are linked to most cases of oral cancer. Heavy alcohol use also increases the risk for oral cancer.

Other factors that may increase the risk for oral cancer include:

  • Chronic rubbing (such as from rough teeth, dentures, or fillings)
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (same virus that causes genital warts )
  • Taking medicines that weaken the immune system (immunosuppressants)
  • Poor dental and oral hygiene

Some oral cancers begin as a white plaque ( leukoplakia ) or as a mouth ulcer .

Men develop oral cancer twice as often as women do. It is more common in men older than 40.

 

Symptoms

 

Oral cancer can appear as a lump or ulcer in the mouth that may be:

  • A deep, hard-edged crack in the tissue
  • Pale, dark, or discolored
  • On the tongue, lip, or other area of the mouth
  • Painless at first, then a burning sensation or pain when the tumor is more advanced

Other symptoms may include:

  • Chewing problems
  • Mouth sores that may bleed
  • Pain with swallowing
  • Speech difficulties
  • Swallowing difficulty
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
  • Tongue problems
  • Weight loss

 

Exams and Tests

 

Your doctor or dentist will examine your mouth area. The exam may show:

  • A sore on the lip, tongue, or other area of the mouth
  • An ulcer or bleeding

Tests used to confirm oral cancer include:

  • Gum biopsy
  • Tongue biopsy

X-rays and CT , MRI and PET scans may be done to determine if the cancer has spread.

 

Treatment

 

Surgery to remove the tumor is usually recommended if the tumor is small enough. Surgery may be used together with radiation therapy and chemotherapy for larger tumors.

Depending on what type of treatment you require, supportive treatments that may be needed include:

  • Speech therapy
  • Therapy to help with chewing, swallowing
  • Learning to eat enough protein and calories to keep your weight up . Ask your doctor about liquid food supplements that can help
  • Help with dry mouth

 

Support Groups

 

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group . Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Approximately half of people with oral cancer will live more than 5 years after they are diagnosed and treated. If the cancer is found early, before it has spread to other tissues, the cure rate is nearly 90%. More than half of oral cancers have spread when the cancer is detected. Most have spread to the throat or neck.

 

Possible Complications

 

Complications of oral cancer may include:

  • Complications of radiation therapy, including dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
  • Disfigurement of the face, head, and neck after surgery
  • Other spread ( metastasis ) of the cancer

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Oral cancer may be discovered when the dentist does a routine cleaning and examination.

Call your health care provider if you have a sore in your mouth or lip or a lump in the neck that does not go away within 1 month. Early diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer greatly increases the chance of survival.

 

Prevention

 

Oral cancer may be prevented by:

  • Avoiding smoking or other tobacco use
  • Having dental problems corrected
  • Limiting or avoiding alcohol use
  • Visiting the dentist regularly and practicing good oral hygiene

 

 

Open References

References

National Cancer Institute. PDQ lip and oral cavity cancer treatment. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Date last modified: September 25, 2015. www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/lip-and-oral-cavity/HealthProfessional . Accessed: January 4, 2016.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology (NCCN guidelines): Head and neck cancers. Version 1.2015. www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/head-and-neck.pdf . Accessed: January 4, 2016.

Romesser PB, Riaz N, Ho AL, Wong RJ, Lee NY. Cancer of the head and neck. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Doroshow JH, Kastan MB, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology . 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 68.

 
  • Throat anatomy

    Throat anatomy - illustration

    Structures of the throat include the esophagus, trachea, epiglottis and tonsils.

    Throat anatomy

    illustration

  • Mouth anatomy

    Mouth anatomy - illustration

    The mouth is the origination of the digestive tract. The teeth and salivary glands aid in breaking down food for digestion. The tonsils aid against infections.

    Mouth anatomy

    illustration

    • Throat anatomy

      Throat anatomy - illustration

      Structures of the throat include the esophagus, trachea, epiglottis and tonsils.

      Throat anatomy

      illustration

    • Mouth anatomy

      Mouth anatomy - illustration

      The mouth is the origination of the digestive tract. The teeth and salivary glands aid in breaking down food for digestion. The tonsils aid against infections.

      Mouth anatomy

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Talking to your MD

       

        Self Care

         

        Tests for Oral cancer

         
           

          Review Date: 10/30/2015

          Reviewed By: Sumana Jothi, MD, specialist in laryngology, Clinical Instructor UCSF Otolaryngology, NCHCS VA, SFVA, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

          The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

           
           
           

           

           

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