Oral cancer

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Overview	Symptoms	Treatment	Prevention

Oral cancer

Alternative Names

Cancer - mouth; Mouth cancer; Head and neck cancer; Squamous cell cancer - mouth

Symptoms

Skin 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:

Exams 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. As the tumor enlarges, it may become an ulcer and bleed. Speech difficulties, chewing problems, or swallowing difficulties may develop, particularly if the cancer is on the tongue.

A tongue biopsy, gum biopsy, and microscopic examination of the lesion confirm the diagnosis of oral cancer.


Throat anatomy


Mouth anatomy

Review Date: 3/21/2008
Reviewed By: Stephen Grund, MD, PhD, Chief of Hematology/Oncology and Director of the George Bray Cancer Center at New Britain General Hospital, New Britain, CT. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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