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Oral Cancer
Alternate Names : Cancer - Mouth, Head and Neck Cancer, Mouth Cancer, Squamous Cell Cancer - Mouth
DefinitionOral cancer involves abnormal, malignant tissue growth in the mouth.
Pictures & Images
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Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Oral or mouth cancer most commonly involves the tissue of the lips or the tongue. It may also occur on the floor of the mouth, cheek lining, gingiva (gums), or palate (roof of the mouth). Most oral cancers look very similar under the microscope and are called squamous cell carcinomas. These are malignant and tend to spread rapidly.
The exact cause is unknown. Smoking and other tobacco use are associated with 70-80% of oral cancer cases. Smoke and heat from cigarettes, cigars, and pipes irritate the mucous membranes of the mouth. Use of chewing tobacco or snuff causes irritation from direct contact with the mucous membranes. Heavy alcohol use is another high-risk activity associated with oral cancer.
Other risks include poor dental and oral hygiene and chronic irritation (such as that from rough teeth, dentures, or fillings). Some oral cancers begin as leukoplakia or mouth ulcers. Oral cancer accounts for about 8% of all malignant growths. Men are affected twice as often as women, particularly men older than 40.
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• Definition
• Oral Cancer Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Oral Cancer Symptoms & Signs
• Oral Cancer Prevention
• Oral Cancer Diagnosis & Tests
• Oral Cancer Treatment
• Oral Cancer Prognosis
• Oral Cancer Complications
• Oral Cancer Support Groups
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Cancer
• Leukoplakia
• Mouth Ulcers
• Tumor
Tests & Exams
• Gum Biopsy
• Tongue Biopsy
Other Topics
• Alcohol Use
• Cancer - Resources
• Chronic
• Dental Care - Adult
• Erosion
• Metastasis
• Mouth Sores
• Radiation Therapy
• Rashes
• Resources
• Smoking - Tips on How to Quit
• Speech Impairment (Adult)
• Stress and Anxiety
• Surgical Excision
• Swallowing Difficulty
• Taste - Impaired
• Tongue Problems
Review Date : 7/11/2002
Reviewed By : Ezra Cohen, Ezra E.W. Cohen, M.D., Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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