Oral Cavity Cancer
Squamous cell carcinoma of the lips, tongue, floor of mouth, and oral mucosa.
This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
References (5)
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Onkoloji department. Book Appointment →
What is Oral Cavity Cancer?
Oral cavity cancer encompasses malignancies of the lips, anterior two-thirds of the tongue, floor of mouth, buccal mucosa, hard palate, gingiva, and retromolar trigone. Over 90% are squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC). Worldwide incidence is rising, with high prevalence in South-Central Asia (paan, betel quid use) and parts of Europe.
Tobacco (smoked and smokeless) and alcohol are dominant risk factors with multiplicative interaction. Areca nut and betel quid chewing are major contributors in Asia. HPV-driven oral cavity cancers are far less common than HPV-driven oropharyngeal cancers but exist. Premalignant lesions include leukoplakia, erythroplakia, oral submucous fibrosis, and oral lichen planus.
Patients present with non-healing ulcers, mucosal masses, pain, dysphagia, otalgia, or neck nodes. Workup includes incisional biopsy, contrast CT or MRI of the head and neck, PET-CT for advanced disease, and dental evaluation. Treatment is surgical resection with appropriate neck dissection. Adjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiation depends on margins, lymph nodes, perineural and lymphovascular invasion.
Symptoms
Risk Factors
When to See a Doctor?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:
- Mouth sore not healing in 3 weeks
- Persistent oral pain or burning
- Lump or thickening in mouth
- White or red mucosal patches
- Loose teeth without obvious cause
- Difficulty swallowing or moving tongue
- Numbness of tongue, lip, or chin
- Persistent cervical lymphadenopathy
- Bleeding from mouth without trauma
- Voice changes lasting weeks
- Long-term tobacco user with new oral symptoms
Treatment Methods
Which Department to Visit?
You can visit our Onkoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.
Learn About Onkoloji DepartmentLet us help you
You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.
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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.