7 Types of Oral Cancers: Symptoms, Risks, & Prevention

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects the mouth and surrounding structures, including your tongue, lips, and throat. Oral cavity cancer, which encompasses a broader category of oral cancers, includes common symptoms of oral cancer and potential risks associated with them. According to the American Cancer Society, around 50,000 cases of oral and oropharyngeal cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. Unfortunately, the five-year survival rate for oral cancer is only around 57%. Early detection and diagnosis are crucial, as treatment is most effective when the disease is caught in its earliest stages. Regular oral cancer screenings with your dentist can help detect oral cancer earlier and provide the best chance for a successful recovery.

According to World Cancer Research Fund International, lip and mouth cancers are the 11th most common cancer in men and the 18th most common cancer in women. It’s estimated that there are more than 375,000 cases of oral cancer worldwide.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, is a type of head and neck cancer that occurs in the oral cavity, which includes the lips, tongue, gums, and the lining of the mouth and throat. According to the National Cancer Institute, oral cancer accounts for approximately 3% of all cancers diagnosed annually in the United States. This type of cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. Being aware of the risk factors and symptoms is crucial for early detection and effective treatment. Risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV). Regular dental checkups and self-examinations can help in identifying any unusual changes in the oral cavity, leading to early intervention and better outcomes.

What Are the Oral Cancer Symptoms?

Oral cancer is hard to detect because it is easy to overlook and can present itself with a variety of symptoms. The simplest thing to do is be aware of any changes in your mouth. Unfortunately, most of those tissue changes aren’t going to be visible when you look in the mirror, and they don’t hurt, so a pain scale isn’t a good determining factor.

Some of the most common oral cancer symptoms include:

• Sores or red or white patches in the mouth that are present on one side but not the other.
• Sores in your mouth that do not heal within two weeks.
• Lumps, nodules, or changes in the texture of your oral mucosa (the soft skin lining the inside of your mouth).
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Feeling like something stuck in your throat.
• Changes in the way you talk or how your voice sounds.

Most oral cancers are squamous cell cancers, which originate in the flat cells lining the mouth, tongue, and lips.

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions and are not necessarily indicative of oral cancer. However, if you experience any of these oral cancer symptoms, it’s important to make an appointment with your dentist immediately. They can perform an examination and, if necessary, order diagnostic tests to determine if something is cancerous.

Since most obvious oral cancer symptoms aren’t self-diagnosable until they’ve reached an advanced stage, your life literally depends on making a call to your dentist’s office.

Why and Who Gets Oral Cancer? Risk Factors Explained

Oral cancer can affect anyone, but certain groups of people are at a higher risk of developing the disease. According to the American Cancer Society, the following groups of people are most susceptible to oral cancer:

To prevent oral cancer, it is crucial to avoid tobacco use, limit alcohol consumption.

Men

Oral cancer is about twice as common in men as it is in women. It may be genetic, or it may be due to lifestyle factors and work environments, such as sun exposure and tobacco use. 

People over the age of 50

The majority of oral cancer cases are diagnosed in older adults. 

Tobacco users

People who use tobacco products, whether it's cigarettes, pipes, or smokeless tobacco, are at a higher risk of oral cancer. In fact, about 90% of oral cancer cases are linked to tobacco use.

Heavy drinkers

People who consume high amounts of alcohol are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer than those who do not drink or consume alcohol less frequently.

People with a history of oral cancer

People who have had oral cancer in the past are at an increased risk of developing the disease again.

People with higher rates of sun exposure

Excessive sun exposure can make you more likely to develop oral cancer on your lips and around your mouth. 

Viruses, such as HPV (human papillomavirus)

Also known for contributing to cervical cancer, HPV is linked to oral cancer. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that is also thought to spread through deep-throat kissing. 

Even healthy individuals who are not exposed to any of these risk factors can develop oral cancer. If you are extremely healthy, it's still important to have your dentist check you for oral cancer signs during your regular checkup.

7 Common Types of Oral Cancer 

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects the mouth and surrounding structures, including the tongue, lips, and throat. It's important to note that there are various types of oral cancer, and they do not all present themselves in the same way. The most common type of oral cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which affects the squamous cells that line the surface of your mouth, tongue, and throat. Each type of oral cancer may have different symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options. Additionally, not all oral cancer cases are the same, as the disease may be in different stages, have varying sizes, and affect different parts of your mouth or throat. 

Squamous Cell Carcinoma: 

Squamous cell carcinoma (SSC) is the most common type of oral cancer found in patients today. It affects the squamous cells that line the inside of your mouth. But these cancerous cells can develop in any part of the mouth or throat. Normally it looks like a sore that doesn't heal or a red or white patch. If you see the patch or discoloration on one side of your mouth but not the other, it could be squamous cell carcinoma. SSCs make up 9 out of 10 oral cancers. 

Other symptoms can sometimes include difficulty swallowing, numbness, or feeling like you have something stuck in your throat. 

The most common risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and exposure to UV light or HPV (human papillomavirus). 

Early detection and diagnosis are crucial in treating this type of oral cancer, as treatment is most effective in the early stages of the disease. Since the early warning signs are next to impossible to pinpoint on your own, make sure you're seeing your dentist regularly.

Lip Cancer: 

Lip cancer is usually either squamous cell carcinoma, which affects the squamous cells that line the surface of the lips, or basal cell carcinoma, which is a type of skin cancer that affects the basal cells of the lips. Lip cancer is more common in men than in women.

The most common symptoms of lip cancer include a sore on your lip that doesn't heal, a lump or thickening of the lip, and changes in the color or texture of the lip. You might even see a blurring around the edge of your lip (what we call the "vermillion border") where it meets your face, making it difficult to tell where your lip starts or stops.

Tongue Cancer: 

Like lip cancer, tongue cancer is usually squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma. If someone has tongue cancer, there will usually be some type of patch of white or red tissue or a sore that doesn't heal along the sides of their tongue or underneath their tongue next to the floor of their mouth. 

Like other types of oral cancers, risk factors include tobacco, alcohol, and exposure to the HPV virus. It might seem as if there's an ulcer that doesn't heal properly or pain when swallowing. 

If surgery is required, it may consist of a partial or total glossectomy (removal of the tongue.) It might also be necessary to remove the lymph nodes in your neck to make sure the cancer hasn't spread. After tongue cancer surgery, it will probably be more difficult to talk or eat, but working with a speech and language therapist will help you through the recovery. 

Gum Cancer: 

Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth, including the gums next to your teeth. Gum cancer, also known as gingival cancer, is a rare type of oral cancer that affects the gums and the tissue surrounding the teeth. It's important to note that gum cancer is often misdiagnosed as periodontal disease because of how the symptoms often mirror one another. 

The most common symptoms of gum cancer include a sore or lump on the gums that don't heal (similar to an abscessed tooth,) bleeding gums, and loose teeth. You can see why it's easy to mistake it for a periodontal infection. 

Mouth Floor Cancer: 

The floor of the mouth is located under the tongue. Floor of the mouth cancer, also known as sublingual cancer, is a rare type of oral cancer that affects the tissue located under the tongue, behind your lower front teeth.

If you have cancer in the floor of your mouth, your dentist may be able to spot abnormalities such as white or red patches, changes in your saliva glands, or tender spots when they palpate that area during your exam. If you notice any lumps or swelling in the floor of your mouth, be sure to let your dentist know. 

Palate Cancer: 

Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth, including the roof of your mouth. Cancer in the roof of the mouth, known as palatal cancer, is a rare type of oral cancer that affects the hard (anterior) and soft (posterior) palate.

One of the main differences in palatal cancer is its location. This type of oral cancer affects the hard and soft palate, which is the bony and muscular structure that separates the mouth and nasal cavities. But most of the other types of oral cancers are found in areas with softer tissues, such as the tongue, throat, and floor of the mouth.

Pharyngeal Cancer: 

Pharyngeal cancer, also known as throat cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the pharynx, which is the hollow tube that runs from behind your nose to the top of your "windpipe." This type of cancer is relatively rare, accounting for only about 3% of all head and neck cancers. However, it is a serious condition that can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. WCRI ranks nasopharyngeal cancer 22nd out of all types of cancer. They go on to say that there are added risks, such as being exposed to wood dust, formaldehyde, the Epstein-Barr virus, and eating Cantonese-style salted fish.

Symptoms of pharyngeal cancer usually include things like a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and changes in how your voice sounds. Risk factors for the disease usually include smoking, heavy alcohol intake, and a family history of cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, the overall 5-year survival rate for people with pharyngeal cancer is around 65%. However, the survival rate can vary depending on the stage of the cancer at the time of the diagnosis. For example, the 5-year survival rate for people with early-stage pharyngeal cancer is about 90%, while the survival rate for those with advanced-stage cancer is about 40%.

How Is Oral Cancer Diagnosed? 

Oral cancer is usually spotted either by your dentist, doctor, or yourself. For a firm diagnosis, a biopsy and/or diagnostic tests are a must. 

If you have something suspicious on your lips or in your mouth, you'll want to have it examined by your dentist or an oral surgeon. They will examine all of the areas of your mouth (including the sides of and underneath your tongue) and palpate your lymph nodes as well. 

If your dentist or specialist sees a suspicious area, they will need to order a biopsy to confirm your diagnosis. Sometimes a 3D CT scan is also taken to evaluate the size and invasiveness of growths or tumors. 

Your biopsy will be sent to a lab for further evaluation, and then the results will be sent back to your dentist. At that point, you will have a firm diagnosis and need to discuss the next steps in the care process.

The Oral Cancer Foundation warns patients that there is an extremely high death rate associated with oral cancer, not because it's difficult to diagnose but because most people don't know they have it until it's too late. 

How Is Oral Cancer Treated?

Oral cancer is treated by a team of specialists, which may include an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, a medical oncologist, and a radiation oncologist. Together, they will determine the best course of cancer treatment for the patient based on the specific characteristics of their cancer.

Treatment options for oral cancer may include oral surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, radiation therapy to shrink the cancer, and chemotherapy to kill cancer cells. The type of treatment that a patient receives will depend on the stage and location of the cancer, as well as their current health level. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be recommended. For example, radiation therapy may be used in conjunction with surgery to ensure that all of the cancerous cells are eliminated.

Patients who have had oral cancer in the past are 20 times more likely to develop a second type of cancer within the next 5-10 years.

Coping with an Oral Cancer Diagnosis

Receiving an oral cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and emotional. It’s essential to take control of what you can and prepare for the journey ahead. Here are some tips to help you cope with an oral cancer diagnosis:

• Educate Yourself: Learn about oral cancer, its treatment options, and what to expect during the treatment process. Knowledge can empower you and help reduce anxiety.
• Seek Support: Reach out to family, friends, and support groups for emotional support and guidance. Connecting with others who have faced similar challenges can provide comfort and practical advice.
• Take Care of Your Physical Health: Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough rest to help your body cope with the treatment. Maintaining your physical health can improve your overall well-being and resilience.
• Consider Counseling: Talk to a mental health professional to help you cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of an oral cancer diagnosis. Counseling can provide strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and depression.

Preparing for Your Appointment

Before your appointment with your doctor or dentist, it’s essential to prepare a list of questions and concerns. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Write Down Your Symptoms: Make a list of your symptoms, including when they started and how long they’ve lasted. This information can help your healthcare provider make an accurate diagnosis.
• Ask Questions: Write down a list of questions to ask your doctor or dentist, such as “What are my treatment options?” and “What are the potential side effects of treatment?” Having a list ensures you cover all your concerns during the appointment.
• Bring a Friend or Family Member: Having someone with you during the appointment can provide emotional support and help you remember what the doctor or dentist says. They can also help ask questions and take notes.

The Oral Cancer Foundation offers excellent resources and a supportive forum.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research provides valuable data, information on clinical trials, and resources for finding dental care.

How to Prevent Oral Cancer

Regular oral cancer screenings at your dentist's office are the best way to combat oral cancer. Early detection offers the most promising outlook, as it allows oral cancer to be treated earlier before it reaches more aggressive stages of the disease. When caught early, the survival rate for oral cancer is quite high. Your dentist can examine your mouth for any signs of abnormal growths or changes in your oral mucosa, which may be indicative of oral cancer. They may also perform a visual and physical examination, including a screening for oral cancer. Some offices even offer a more "advanced" type of oral cancer screening that uses a special rinse or lighting system to pinpoint precancerous and atypical tissues. 

During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will check for any signs of abnormalities in your mouth, including lumps, sores, irregular tissues, or discoloration. These screenings are quick and painless, and they can be done during your regular dental checkup. 

Besides regular screenings, you can also:

• Avoid tobacco products
• Protect yourself against sun exposure (wear a hat and/or apply SPF lip balm)
• Limit your alcohol intake

Will Oral Cancer Kill You

Oral cancer can be life-threatening if not detected and treated early. Early stage mouth cancer detection has a high survival rate with effective treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. However, if it spreads, it becomes harder to treat and can be fatal. Regular screenings are essential, especially for those with higher risk factors.

Talk With Your Dentist

Oral cancer is extremely dangerous and deadly, as it easily goes undetected until it reaches a more progressive stage of the disease. By scheduling regular screenings with your dentist, you can greatly increase your chances of catching oral cancer early, improving your chances of a successful recovery. If you have any symptoms, such as sores in your mouth or on your lips that do not heal within two weeks, be sure to speak with your dentist. They can perform a detailed oral cancer screening and order a biopsy of the tissue if it is suspicious. It's just not worth the risk!

Mouth Cancer Conclusion

Oral cancer is a serious disease that requires prompt attention and treatment. By understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options, you can take control of your health and reduce your risk of developing oral cancer. Remember to stay informed, seek support, and take care of your physical and emotional health during the treatment process. With the right treatment and support, it’s possible to overcome oral cancer and live a healthy and fulfilling life. Regular screenings and a proactive approach to your health can make a significant difference in your journey.