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CancerICD-10: C00-C14About 54,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the United States

Oral Cancer

Also known as: Mouth Cancer, Oropharyngeal Cancer

Oral cancer encompasses cancers of the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, cheeks, gums, hard and soft palate, and oropharynx. The most common type is squamous cell carcinoma, and major risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and HPV infection. Early detection through regular dental examinations significantly improves survival rates.

Symptoms

Persistent sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal
White or red patch on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
Lump or thickening in the cheek or neck
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw
Unexplained numbness in the mouth or lips
Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
Ear pain
Unintentional weight loss

Causes

  • Tobacco use (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff)
  • Heavy alcohol consumption
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, especially HPV-16
  • Chronic sun exposure (lip cancer)

Risk Factors

  • Combined tobacco and alcohol use (synergistic risk increase)
  • HPV infection
  • Age over 50
  • Male sex (twice as common in men)
  • Poor oral hygiene and ill-fitting dentures
  • Betel nut chewing (common in South Asia)

Diagnosis

  • Visual and tactile oral examination by a dentist or ENT specialist
  • Biopsy of suspicious lesions for histopathological analysis
  • CT, MRI, or PET scan for staging
  • HPV testing of tumor tissue

Treatment

  • Surgical resection of the tumor with adequate margins
  • Radiation therapy (external beam or brachytherapy)
  • Cisplatin-based chemotherapy, often combined with radiation
  • Targeted therapy (cetuximab)
  • Immunotherapy (pembrolizumab, nivolumab) for recurrent or metastatic disease
  • Reconstructive surgery and speech/swallowing rehabilitation

Prevention

  • Quit or never start tobacco use in any form
  • Limit alcohol consumption
  • Get HPV vaccination
  • Use lip sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat
  • Attend regular dental check-ups with oral cancer screening

When to See a Doctor

  • A mouth sore that does not heal within 2–3 weeks
  • Persistent lump in the mouth, throat, or neck
  • Difficulty swallowing or unexplained changes in voice
  • White or red patches in the mouth

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

Infectious

Esophageal Cancer

Cancer

Pharyngitis

Infectious

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Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

Content reviewed against peer-reviewed medical literature and clinical guidelines. Read our editorial standards.