Oral Cancer

Cancer is defined as the uncontrollable growth of cells that invade and cause damage to surrounding tissue. Oral cancer appears as a growth or sore in the mouth that does not go away. Oral cancer, which includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx (throat), can be life threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.

What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?

The most common symptoms of oral cancer include:

• Swellings/thickenings, lumps or bumps, rough spots/crusts/or eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth.
• The development of velvety white, red, or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth.
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth.
• Unexplained numbness, loss of feeling, or pain/tenderness in any area of the face, mouth, neck, or ear.
• Persistent sores on the face, neck, or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within 2 weeks.
• A soreness or feeling that something is caught in the back of the throat.
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue.
• Hoarseness, chronic sore throat, or change in voice (especially slurred speech).
• Ear pain.
• A change in the way your teeth or dentures fit together.
• Dramatic weight loss.
• A lump in the neck.

If you notice any of these changes, contact your dentist or health care professional immediately for an exam.

Who Gets Oral Cancer?

According to the American Cancer Society, men face twice the risk of developing oral cancer as women, and men who are over age 50 face the greatest risk. In fact, oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer among men.

Risk factors for oral cancer include:

• Smoking . Cigarette, cigar, or pipe smokers are six times more likely than nonsmokers to develop oral cancers.
• Smokeless tobacco users. Users of snuff or chewing tobacco increase their risk of cancer to the oral cavity. These cancers include cancer of the cheek, gums, tongue, lining of the lips, and the floor and roof of the mouth. The increased risks of other types of cancer is being studied.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol . Oral cancers are about six times more common in drinkers than in nondrinkers.
• Family history of cancer .
• Excessive sun exposure, especially at a young age.
• Radiation exposure.
• Poor dietary habits.

It is important to note that over 25% of all oral cancers occur in people who do not smoke and who only drink alcohol occasionally. In these people, viral infections may be the cause. The human papilloma virus (HPV) has been detected in up to 36% of patients with oral cancers. This is the same virus responsible for the majority of cases of cervical cancer.

What Is the Outlook for People With Oral Cancer?

For oral cancer, the overall 1-year survival rate for patients with all stages of oral cavity and pharynx cancers is 81%. The 5- and 10-year survival rates are 56% and 41%, respectively.