Oral Cancers: Johns Hopkins Symptoms and Remedies PRINT
Oral Cancers
What Are Oral Cancers
Oral cancer is a growth of malignant cells in any part of the oral cavity, which includes the lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, floor or roof of the mouth, and tonsils. The most common site is the lip, followed by the tongue, and then other locations. Symptoms vary depending on the location of the cancer but usually include ulcerations that are initially painless. In more advanced stages the cancer spreads, most often to the lymph nodes in the neck or under the jaw. Treatment depends on the location and stage of the malignancy and the age and overall health of the patient, but it usually involves surgery, radiation, or both. Prognosis is good if the cancer is detected and treated before it has spread. In most cases lip cancer is very treatable because it is easier to detect, while prognosis for a larger tongue cancer is not as good, particularly if the lesion is near the rear of the mouth and hard to see. Oral cancers account for about 4 percent of all cancers. Risk increases with age; the majority of cases occur in people over age 45, with men at nearly twice the risk as women.
Symptoms of Oral Cancers
- A mucous membrane lesion or ulcerations in
some area of the mouth that persist or worsen
over time. In early stages such lesions are often
painless.
- In more advanced cases, difficulty speaking,
eating, and swallowing.
- Bad breath.
- Abnormal sense of taste.
- An enlarging growth on the lip that crusts
over and bleeds when the crust is removed.
- A sore throat or burning sensation in the
mouth during advanced stages, especially
when eating or drinking.
- White patches (leukoplakia) or velvety red
patches (erythroplakia); these must be watched
carefully and biopsied because they may be
precancerous.
What Causes Oral Cancers
The cause of oral cancer is unknown. However, several risk factors have been identified, which include:
- The use of tobacco in any form (smoking, chewing, or dipping) is the primary risk factor.
- Long-term heavy alcohol use.
- Nutritional deficiencies (including lack of iron, vitamin A, and certain B vitamins).
- Years of exposure to sunlight (a risk factor for lip cancer).
- Infections with certain forms of human papillomavirus (HPV).
Prevention of Oral Cancers
- All tobacco products should be avoided.
- Excessive alcohol use is discouraged.
- Regular dental checkups and periodic self-examination of the mouth may help detect cancer in its early stages.
Diagnosis of Oral Cancers
- Patient history and examination of the mouth and neck are necessary on a routine basis.
- A small sample of affected tissue is removed for microscopic examination of the cells (biopsy) to determine if cancer is present.
- X-rays of the head or chest may be taken to detect if the cancer has spread.
How To Treat Oral Cancers
- Surgery to remove the tumor, the surrounding tissue, and possibly the lymph nodes in the neck is generally recommended.
- Radiation therapy is often advised when there is suspicion that cancer may have spread. It may be administered externally (for example, with x-rays) or internally (by implanting pellets into the tumor).
- Speech therapy and other kinds of occupational therapy may be part of rehabilitation.
- A wide variety of plastic and reconstructive surgery techniques are available to rebuild vital jaw and facial bone structures.
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