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Oral Cancer

Malignant tumors arising from the oral cavity (lips, tongue, floor of mouth, buccal mucosa, gingiva, hard palate); >90% are squamous cell carcinomas with strong association with tobacco, alcohol, and HPV.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı department. Book Appointment →

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer encompasses malignant tumors of the oral cavity including lips, anterior two-thirds of tongue, floor of mouth, buccal mucosa, gingiva, retromolar trigone, and hard palate. Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for >90% of cases.

Major risk factors include tobacco use (smoking, smokeless), heavy alcohol consumption (synergistic with tobacco), human papillomavirus (HPV-16, especially oropharyngeal cancers), areca nut and betel quid chewing, sun exposure (lip cancer), and chronic inflammation/leukoplakia/erythroplakia.

Diagnosis includes thorough oral examination, biopsy of suspicious lesions, imaging (MRI, CT, PET-CT for staging), and HPV testing. TNM staging guides treatment: early stages with surgery or radiation alone, advanced stages with multimodal therapy. Five-year survival is stage-dependent, ranging from >80% (stage I) to <40% (stage IV).

Symptoms

Non-healing oral ulcer or sore lasting more than 2 weeks
White (leukoplakia) or red (erythroplakia) patches on oral mucosa
Lump, swelling, or thickening in mouth, lip, or neck
Persistent pain, numbness, or paresthesia in mouth or jaw
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving tongue
Loose teeth without dental cause or poor-fitting denture
Unexplained bleeding, voice change, or weight loss

Risk Factors

Tobacco use (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, smokeless tobacco)
Heavy alcohol consumption (>3 drinks/day)
HPV-16 infection (especially oropharyngeal cancer)
Areca nut, betel quid, gutka chewing
Sun exposure (lip cancer in outdoor workers)
Premalignant lesions (leukoplakia, erythroplakia, oral submucous fibrosis)
Immunosuppression, poor oral hygiene, chronic mucosal irritation

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Any non-healing oral ulcer lasting more than 2 weeks
  • White, red, or mixed patches in the mouth
  • Persistent oral or neck lump
  • Unexplained mouth pain, numbness, or bleeding
  • Difficulty swallowing or persistent voice change
  • Loose teeth without dental cause
  • Routine oral cancer screening if smoker, drinker, or HPV exposure

Treatment Methods

01
Multidisciplinary tumor board evaluation
02
Early stage: surgical resection with selective neck dissection
03
Advanced stage: surgery + adjuvant radiation +/- chemotherapy
04
Concurrent chemoradiation in unresectable or HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers
05
Immunotherapy (pembrolizumab, nivolumab) for recurrent/metastatic disease
06
Reconstruction with free flaps (radial forearm, fibula) and dental rehabilitation
07
Post-treatment surveillance with clinical examination and imaging every 3-6 months

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı Department

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You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Impacted Tooth

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An impacted tooth — most often a wisdom tooth — has not erupted fully and remains in the jaw bone or gum. It can lead to pericoronitis, caries and cysts.

Dental Implants

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A dental implant is a titanium screw placed in the jawbone that supports a crown, bridge or denture, providing the closest possible function and aesthetics to a natural tooth.

Teeth Whitening

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Teeth whitening lightens tooth color using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gels. In-office (professional) bleaching uses higher concentrations with light activation for faster results; home bleaching uses custom trays with lower concentrations over 1–4 weeks. Safety depends on healthy teeth, correct concentration, isolation of gums and transient sensitivity management.

Orthodontics

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Orthodontics is the dental specialty that corrects the alignment of the teeth and jaws, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits at any age, from childhood through adulthood.

Gingival Recession (Gum Recession)

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Gingival recession is the apical displacement of the gingival margin with exposure of the root surface. It may be localized or generalized and results from mechanical trauma, periodontal disease, thin biotype or anatomic factors. Recession can cause root sensitivity, caries and aesthetic concerns; management includes cause elimination and surgical root coverage when indicated.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

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Halitosis is a chronic problem that affects a substantial part of the population. It is most often of oral origin and can interfere with social interactions.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.