Oral cancer most commonly involves the tissue of the lips or the tongue. It may also occur on the floor of the mouth, cheek lining, gums (gingiva), or roof of the mouth (palate).
Most oral cancers look very similar under the microscope and are called squamous cell carcinomas. These are malignant and tend to spread rapidly.
Smoking and other tobacco use are associated with 70 - 80% 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 activity associated with increased risk for oral cancer.
Other factors that increase the risk of oral cancer include poor dental and oral hygiene and chronic irritation (such as from rough teeth, dentures, or fillings). Some oral cancers begin as a white plaque ( leukoplakia) or as a mouth ulcer. Recently, infection with HPV (human papilloma virus) has beeen shown to be a risk factor.
Oral cancer accounts for about 8% of all malignant growths. Men get oral cancer twice as often as women do, particularly men older than 40.
Symptoms
Mucous membrane lesion, lump, or ulcer:
May be a deep, hard-edged crack in the tissue
Most often pale colored, may be dark or discolored
On the tongue, lip, or other mouth area
Usually painless at first (may develop a burning sensation or pain when the tumor is advanced)
Usually small
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
Abnormal taste in the mouth
Mouth sores
Swallowing difficulty
Tongue problems
Signs and tests
An examination of the mouth by the health care provider or dentist shows a visible or palpable (can be felt) lesion of the lip, tongue, or other mouth area.
Leukoplakia(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Leukoplakia is a precancerous lesion that develops on the tongue or the inside of the cheek as a response to chronic irritation. Occasionally, leukoplakia patches develop on the female external genitalia.Leukoplakia is primarily a disorder of the ...Reviewer: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (9/11/2006).Date: 10/05/2007
Mouth ulcers (4 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Mouth ulcers are sores or open lesions in the mouth.(See also mouth sores or canker sores).Mouth ulcers are caused by many disorders. Reviewer: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 02/01/2009
Tongue biopsy (2 images)(Doctor-Reviewed information)
A tongue biopsy is surgery to remove a piece of the tongue for examination under a microscope.A tongue biopsy can be done using a needle. After numbing the area, the health care provider gently sticks the needle into the tongue and removes a tiny ...Reviewer: James L. Demetroulakos, MD, FACS, Department of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.Date: 03/03/2009
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