We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Oral Cancer?

Tricia Christensen
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,361
References
Share

Oral cancer refers to the growth of cancerous cells in the mouth, on the lips, on the tongue, in the sinuses, and in the throat or pharynx. It’s important to pay attention to signs of oral cancer, and these can vary depending upon where the cancer is present. Early diagnosis does improve outlook and prognosis tremendously, so all people should be aware of common signs of this condition.

People should see doctors if they notice swellings, bumps or sores in the mouth or on the lips that don’t heal after about two weeks. When the mouth bleeds regularly and with no explanation, this may also be a symptom of oral cancer. Some people notice sores on the face or neck, in addition to having sores in the mouth. Other symptoms of oral cancers can include ear pain, persistent hoarseness in the throat or difficulty swallowing, a feeling that something is caught in the throat, and rapid weight loss. Another common sign is white patches or white stripes in the mouth.

Most people don’t have all of these symptoms. Instead, they may have one or two symptoms at onset of oral cancer. Doctors recommend people see a physician if they detect the presence of one of these symptoms. They can indicate other conditions, and many of these conditions require treatment too, so people benefit by being cautious and checking out these potential warning signs with their doctors.

Some physicians recommend seeing a dentist instead, if sores or white patches are noted in the mouth. It can also help to see a dentist on a regular basis. Two cleanings a year may be a great way to screen for oral cancer, especially if the dentist performs an oral exam. If a dentist finds any suspicious lesions, he can biopsy them.

Due to the large area over which oral cancer can be spread, treatment and diagnosis are variable. Like many forms of cancer, emphasis is on removing cancerous cells and then using chemotherapy and/or radiation to kill any remaining cancer cells. The trouble with removal of cancerous cells is that in some people it can affect survivability of teeth and ability to talk. This is another reason it is essential to get early diagnosis of oral cancer, so that removal of cancerous cells doesn’t impact normal use of mouth and throat later.

There are certain people more likely to get oral cancer. These include people who drink alcohol and those who use tobacco products. Smoking is especially risky and results in about 70-80% of all oral cancers. Sometimes viruses may cause these cancers, and this may be especially the case when the cancer affects young adults. Another common cause, especially of cancer on the lips, is frequent sun exposure.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Tricia Christensen
By Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia Christensen is based in Northern California and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her writing. Her wide-ranging interests include reading, writing, medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion, all of which she incorporates into her informative articles. Tricia is currently working on her first novel.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a WiseGeek contributor, Tricia...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-oral-cancer.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.