Definition:
Oral cancer is any cancerous tissue growth located in the mouth. It could arise as a primary lesion originating
in any of the oral tissues, by metastasis from a distant site of origin, or by extension from a neighboring
anatomic structure, such as the nasal cavity or the maxillary sinus.
Diagnosis:
Most oral cancers look very similar under the microscope and are called squamous cell carcinoma. These are
malignant and tend to spread quickly.
Treatment:
Surgical excision (removal) of the tumor is usually recommended if the tumor is small enough, and if surgery is
likely to result in a functionally satisfactory result. Radiation therapy is usually used in conjunction with
surgery, or as the definitive radical treatment, especially if the tumor is inoperable.
Symptoms and Signs:
Skin lesion, lump, or ulcer:
On the tongue, lip, or other mouth area; Usually small; Most often pale colored, may be dark or discolored; Early
sign may be a white patch (leukoplakia) or a red patch (erythroplakia) on the soft tissues of the mouth; Usually
painless initially; May develop a burning sensation or pain when the tumor is advanced.
Causes:
Oral cancers may originate in any of the tissues of the mouth, and may be of varied histologic types: teratoma,
adenocarcinoma derived from a major or minor salivary gland, lymphoma from tonsillar or other lymphoid tissue, or
melanoma from the pigment producing cells of the oral mucosa. Far and away the most common oral cancer is squamous
cell carcinoma, originating in the tissues that line the mouth and lips.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
