Overview
Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that begins in the tissues of the mouth. It may start on the lips, tongue, gums, inner lining of the cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard palate, or behind the wisdom teeth. It can grow into nearby tissues and, if not found early, may spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Key Symptoms
Symptoms can include a mouth sore that does not heal, a lump or thickened area, or a red or white patch inside the mouth. Some people notice pain, bleeding, numbness, loose teeth, bad breath that does not improve, or trouble chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue or jaw. Ear pain, a voice change, or a persistent sore throat can also happen when cancer affects nearby areas.
Causes and Risk Factors
Oral cancer develops when cells in the mouth change and grow out of control. Important risk factors include smoking, smokeless tobacco, betel quid or areca nut use, heavy alcohol use, and long-term sun exposure to the lips. Some cancers in the mouth and throat area are linked to human papillomavirus (HPV), and risk may also rise with older age and a weakened immune system.
Who Is Affected
Oral cancer can affect adults of any background, but it is more common in people with tobacco or alcohol exposure and in older adults. In some regions, use of betel quid or areca nut raises risk significantly. People with limited access to dental or medical care may have delays in diagnosis.
Prevention
Avoiding tobacco in all forms is one of the most important steps to lower risk. Limiting alcohol, avoiding betel quid or areca nut, protecting the lips from sun exposure, and keeping regular dental visits may also help. HPV vaccination is recommended in many countries to help prevent HPV-related cancers, according to national immunization guidance.
Diagnosis and Tests
A healthcare professional or dentist may examine the mouth, tongue, throat, and neck for sores, patches, swelling, or enlarged lymph nodes. If an area looks suspicious, a biopsy is usually needed to confirm whether cancer is present. Imaging tests such as CT, MRI, ultrasound, or PET scans may be used to learn the size of the cancer and whether it has spread.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on where the cancer is, how large it is, whether it has spread, and the person's overall health. Common treatment categories include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Some people receive one treatment, while others need a combination planned by a cancer care team.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical or dental care if you have a mouth sore, ulcer, lump, or red or white patch that lasts more than 2 weeks. Also get checked for unexplained mouth bleeding, numbness, loose teeth, trouble swallowing, jaw stiffness, or a neck lump. Do not ignore symptoms just because they are not painful.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get urgent medical help right away if there is severe trouble breathing, choking, major bleeding from the mouth, or sudden inability to swallow liquids. Urgent care is also needed for rapidly increasing swelling of the mouth, tongue, or neck, especially if it affects breathing.