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Oral Cancer

Any cancerous growth in the mouth is referred to as an oral cancer, regardless of its origin as a primary lesion, a metastasized tissue, or the spread of a tumor in a neighboring structure. Common oral cancers include adenocarcinoma (from salivary glands), tonsillar lymphoma, or melanoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common by far, originating in tissues lining the mouth and lips. It is malignant and spreads rapidly.

Seventy to eighty percent of all oral cancers are associated with tobacco use, either from the smoke and heat of cigarettes or the direct-contact irritation of snuff or chewing tobacco. In Asian cultures where the practice is common, chewing betel and areca is also a strong risk factor, causing as many as forty percent of oral cancers. Men are afflicted about twice as often as women.

The first sign of oral cancer is typically a small, pale (sometimes dark) skin lesion or lump on the tongue, lip, or oral lining, initially painless but later with a burning pain. As it grows, it can cause speech and chewing problems.

Surgical excision is the typical treatment, followed by radiation therapy. Chemotherapy is also used for more advanced cases. When the tumor is large, there may be deep scarring or damage to speech, swallowing, breathing, etc., secondary to surgery; early detection is critical for a positive outcome. Survival rates are reasonably good for early detection, but rapidly decrease.

Web Resources On Oral Cancer

The Oral Cancer Foundation
MedLine Plus Info On Oral Cancer

Book Resources On Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer by Jatin P. Shah
Oral Cancer by Sol Silverman (ed)

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