Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can form in any part of the mouth or throat. Most oral cancers begin in the tongue and in the floor of the mouth. Anyone can get oral cancer, but the risk is higher if you are male, over age 40, use tobacco or alcohol or have a history of head or neck cancer. Frequent sun exposure is also a risk for lip cancer.

Symptoms of oral cancer include

White or red patches in your mouth
A mouth sore that won't heal
Bleeding in your mouth
Loose teeth
Problems or pain with swallowing
A lump in your neck
An earache

Oral cancer treatments may include surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Some patients have a combination of treatments.

National Cancer Institute

Oral Cancer on Wikipedia

'''Oral cancer''' involves abnormal, cancer tissue growth in the mouth.

Causes

Oral or mouth cancer most commonly involves the tissue of the lips or the tongue. It may also occur on the floor of the mouth, cheek lining, gingiva (gums), or palate (roof of the mouth). Most oral cancers look very similar under the microscope and are called '''squamous cell carcinoma'''s. These are malignant and tend to spread rapidly. The exact cause is unknown. Smoking and other tobacco use are associated with 70 percent to 80 percent of oral cancer cases. Smoke and heat from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes irritate the mucous membranes of the mouth. Use of chewing tobacco or snuff causes irritation from direct contact with the mucous membranes. Heavy alcohol use is another high-risk activity associated with oral cancer. Other risks include poor dental hygiene and oral hygiene and chronic irritation (such as that from rough teeth, dentures, or fillings). Some oral cancers begin as leukoplakia or mouth ulcers. Oral cancer accounts for about 8 percent of all malignant growths. Men are affected twice as often as women, particularly men older than 40/60.

Symptoms

Skin lesion, lump, or ulcer: *On the tongue, lip, or other mouth area *Usually small *Most often pale colored, may be dark or discolored *May be a deep, hard edged crack in the tissue *Usually painless initially *May develop a burning sensation or pain when the tumor is advanced Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease: *Tongue problems *Swallowing difficulty *Mouth sores *Abnormal taste

Signs and tests

An examination of the mouth by the health care provider or dentist shows a visible and/or palpable (can be felt) lesion of the lip, tongue, or other mouth area. As the tumor enlarges, it may become an ulcer and bleed. Speech difficulties, chewing problems, or swallowing difficulties may develop, particularly if the cancer is on ... [ Read More ]

External Resources

Zonagen, Inc. - Develops an oral treatment for male impotency and researches and develops products related to contraception, urological diseases and prostrate cancer. (Nasdaq: ZONA).

Bergen Oral Cancer Group - Research center at the University of Bergen in Norway that focuses on the biology and causes of this condition.

Pathology Laboratory Consultation - Details oral and head and neck cancer consultative service at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer - SPOHNC is a self-help organization for patients. Located in Locust Valley, New York.

Voice Box Cancer - Discussion of the different types of laryngeal cancer by the American Oral Cancer Clinic located in Austin, Texas.

Dental Oncology Education Program - Texas program aimed to assist dental professionals with the detection, diagnosis and management of oral cancer.

The Extraoral Examination - Demonstration of a less obvious aspect of the search for oral cancer.

Facts About Oral Cancers - Review article by Dr. Gregg Bobier.

University of Manitoba: Oral Self Examination - Inspection for signs of cancer.

Examination for Oral Cancer - Maryland dentist resource offers instruction for inspection including photographs.

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