About Oral Cancer
A type of head and neck cancer, lip and oral cavity cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lips or oral cavity of the mouth. The oral cavity includes the front part of the tongue, the gums, the lining of the cheeks, underneath the tongue, the roof of the mouth and the area behind the wisdom teeth.
Most lip and oral cavity cancers start in squamous cells, the thin, flat cells that line the lips and oral cavity. These are called squamous cell carcinomas. Cancer cells may spread into deeper tissue as the cancer grows. Squamous cell carcinoma usually develops in areas of leukoplakia (white patches of cells that do not rub off).
Learn more about oral cancer symptoms and risk factors and find our oral cancer doctors near you.
Symptoms and Risk Factors of Oral Cancer
Signs of nasopharyngeal cancer include trouble breathing, speaking or hearing. These and other signs and symptoms may be caused by nasopharyngeal cancer or by other conditions. Lip and oral cavity cancer may not have any symptoms and are sometimes found during a regular dental exam. Check with your doctor if you have any of the following:
- A sore on the mouth that does not heal
- Thickening or a lump on, or in, the mouth
- White or red patch on gums, tongue or mouth lining
- Bleeding or pain in the lip or mouth
- Numbness in the lip or mouth
- Change in voice
- Loose teeth or dentures
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Swelling of the jaw
- Sore throat
- Feeling of something caught in the throat
Tobacco and alcohol use can affect the risk of lip and oral cavity cancer.
Risk factors for lip and oral cavity cancer include the following:
- Using tobacco products
- Heavy alcohol use
- Being exposed to natural sunlight or artificial sunlight (such as from tanning beds) over long periods of time
- Being male
Oral Cancer Experts Who Specialize in You
If you or someone you love is facing an oral cancer diagnosis, rest assured that the specialized care you need is close to home. Our experienced oncologists will design a well-rounded treatment plan that considers your whole health — body, mind and spirit.
Find Us in Your Community
Across the nation, each of our locations offering cancer treatment contributes to the strength of the AdventHealth Cancer Institute network. Explore your options for care close to home with the guidance of our dedicated team. We’ll help you find the right fit, so you’re in the best setting to get the care you need.