Oral cancer is cancer of the mouth. Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Oral cancer most commonly involves the tissue of the lips or the tongue. It may also occur on the:

• Cheek lining
• Floor of the mouth
• Gums (gingiva)
• Roof of the mouth (palate)
  
  
  
  
  

Most oral cancers look very similar under the microscope and are called squamous cell carcinomas. These are cancerous and tend to spread quickly.
Smoking and other tobacco use are linked to 70 - 80% of oral cancer cases. Heavy alcohol use is also associated with an increased risk for oral cancer.
Other factors that may increase the risk for oral cancer include:

• Chronic irritation (such as from rough teeth, dentures, or fillings)
• Human papilloma virus infection
• Poor dental and oral hygiene

Some oral cancers begin as a white plaque (leukoplakia) or as a mouth ulcer.
Oral cancer accounts for about 5% of all cancerous growths. Men get oral cancer twice as often as women do, particularly men older than 40.

Symptoms

Sore, lump, or ulcer:

• May be a deep, hard-edged crack in the tissue
• Most often pale colored, but may be dark or discolored
• On the tongue, lip, or other area of the mouth
• Usually painless at first (may develop a burning sensation or pain when the tumor is advanced)