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Conditions

Oral and maxillofacial surgery · Face, mouth and jaws

Oral cavity cancer

Identify persistent signs of lip or mouth cancer and understand the diagnostic pathway.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

Oral cavity cancer arises in the lip, mobile tongue, floor of mouth, gums, inner cheek or hard palate; most are squamous cell carcinomas.

Possible symptoms

A non-healing ulcer, red or white patch, lump, bleeding, pain, numbness, unexplained loose tooth, swallowing difficulty or neck lump can occur.

Causes and associated factors

Tobacco, alcohol and areca nut raise risk, especially together; sun exposure for the lip and immune suppression contribute. HPV has a stronger role in the oropharynx.

Diagnosis

Any suspicious lesion needs specialist examination and biopsy; appearance alone cannot confirm or exclude cancer.

Tests

Biopsy and pathology establish diagnosis; CT, MRI, PET or ultrasound and lymph-node sampling assess spread when indicated.

Course of the condition

Outlook depends on site, stage, lymph nodes and general health; earlier diagnosis often allows less extensive treatment.

Care options

Surgery, radiotherapy and systemic treatments are combined by stage, with reconstruction and dental, nutritional, speech and swallowing support.

When to consult

An ulcer, patch, lump, voice or swallowing change lasting more than two to three weeks should be assessed promptly.

Urgent help

Breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding, inability to swallow fluids, dehydration or rapidly increasing swelling requires urgent help.

Questions for your doctor

  • What exact diagnosis and extent have been established?
  • Which functions—breathing, vision, chewing, speech or swallowing—are affected?
  • Which non-surgical and surgical options should we compare?
  • Which nerve, dental, functional and appearance risks should I consider?
  • What multidisciplinary follow-up will be needed?

Continue reading

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.

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