Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth or throat. Mouth cancer most often originates in the squamous cells, the flat, thin cells lining the lips and mouth. It may develop on the tongue, on the floor of the mouth under the tongue, in mouth and gum tissue, under the tongue, or at the base of the tongue.
Throat cancer, also called pharyngeal cancer, can form in the upper part of the throat behind the nose, the middle part of the throat behind the mouth, the back portion of the tongue, the soft palate, the side and back walls of the throat, or the tonsils.
Since oral cancer affects the mouth, it is often detected during routine dental exams. It’s beneficial to familiarize yourself with your mouth and throat to know what’s normal for you, and see a health care provider if you notice changes.
The Causes of Oral Cancer
While anyone can develop oral cancer, having certain risk factors significantly increases a person’s risk:
- Advanced age. Most cases of oral cancer are diagnosed in those ages 40 and older, and risk increases as you age.
- Alcohol use. Excessive intake of alcohol, defined as having more than one drink per day for women or two per day for men, is a known risk factor for oral cancer.
- HPV infection. Being infected with the human papillomavirus, specifically HPV 16, has been linked with oral cancers. HPV infection is common among sexually active people who have not had the benefit of HPV vaccination.
- Sun exposure. While this is a less common risk factor, oral cancer affecting the lips can be caused by excessive sun exposure.
- Tobacco use. Smoking or other tobacco use is a known risk factor for both mouth cancer and throat cancer.
Even if you have no known risk factors, it’s still important to watch for oral cancer signs.
What Oral Cancer Looks Like
Oral cancer spreads quickly, which is why early detection is essential in treating this type of cancer. Your dentist will likely perform an oral cancer exam during your dental checkups, looking for key oral cancer signs.
You can do the same at home between dental visits. Keep an eye out for these signs that may be related to mouth or throat cancer:
- A persistent sore throat
- A sore or irritated spot in your mouth, on your lips or in your throat
- A white or red spot in the mouth
- Difficulty moving the jaw or tongue to chew, swallow or speak
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Ear pain
- Feeling that something is caught in the throat and can’t be dislodged
- Loosening of teeth or pain around the teeth
- Numbness in the tongue or other areas of the mouth
- Swelling in the jaw
- Thickening along the lips, mouth or cheek
- Voice changes
Some of these symptoms are also common with other, less serious medical conditions. But if you experience them for two weeks or longer, talk with your health care provider. It’s better to have your symptoms checked out.
How Oral Cancer Is Diagnosed and Treated
If your dentist or doctor suspects you may have oral cancer, he or she will recommend you for further testing to help confirm a diagnosis. Depending on the specific oral cancer signs, this may include endoscopy to examine the throat or a biopsy to look at cells in the mouth or throat.
If you are diagnosed with cancer of the mouth or throat, University of Maryland Medical System offers comprehensive care to guide you through each step of the journey. This will include treatment to eradicate cancerous cells and mitigate your symptoms, as well as services such as rehabilitation to help you maintain a good quality of life.
Treatment will vary depending on the stage of cancer and other factors but may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of multiple therapies. Your medical team will provide you with a treatment plan that’s personalized based on your needs.
