Oral cancer is a broad term for cancer that affects an individual’s mouth (ex: tongue, lips, tissue lining in the mouth, gums, or the roof of the mouth or palate).
Like all cancers, when it is left untreated, an uncontrollable rapid growth of cells will spread throughout the mouth, neck, and upper head.
About 11 in 100,000 people are affected by oral cancer.
Those above the age 60 are more likely to develop oral cancer.
Oral cancer starts with the squamous cells located in the oral cavity.
Normal squamous cells can become cancerous when their DNA changes and cells begin to rapidly divide and multiply.
Smoking and tobacco usage
Alcohol consumption
Excessive sun exposure
Receiving the HPV virus
Genetic heritage (passed down from family genes)
Leukoplakia: flat, white or gray patches that develop mouth or throat
Erythroplakia: flat red patches that can bleed
Erythroleukoplakia: combination of both symptoms above
Soreness in the mouth
Earache
Having difficulty eating or chewing food
Weight loss
Random bleeding in the mouth
Click here for more information on the individual stages of oral cancer.
Implement proper oral hygiene: Brush at least two times a day in circular motions to remove any plaque or bacteria.
Floss to take out excess food that was not removed during brushing.
Reduce sun exposure during excessive heat days. Wear sunscreen and SPF to minimize damage from the sun.
Avoid smoking cigarettes and tobacco. Reduce alcohol consumption to a minimum.
Cleveland Clinic. “Oral Cancer Symptoms, Signs & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, 27 Jan. 2022,
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11184-oral-cancer.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. “Oral Cancer.” Www.nidcr.nih.gov, July 2018,
www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/oral-cancer.