Oral Cancers affect various parts of the oral cavity, including the mouth, lips, tonsils and the upper part of the throat. The cancer cells invade and destroy the local structures, using blood and lymphatic channels that spread to and destroy other parts of the body.

Causes

The main causes of oral cancer are:

• Tobacco use
• Alcohol use
• Excessive sun exposure, which, like elsewhere on the body, can cause cancer on the lip

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• White or red spots on your tongue, gums, or any other tissues in your mouth.
• A sore or irritation in the mouth that bleeds easily and doesn't heal.
• Persistent tenderness, pain, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips.
• A lump on the lip or in the mouth or throat.
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, talking, or moving your jaw or tongue.
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down.
• A change in your voice that isn't due to a cold or allergies.

Treatment

Early cancers of the lip and oral cavity are highly curable by surgery or radiation therapy, with the choice depending on the anticipated functional and cosmetic results.

Treatment may include:

Surgery: Different surgery techniques are used to remove specific types of oral tumors
Radiation therapy: treatment that uses high-energy rays that damage cancer cells and halts the spread of cancer.
Chemotherapy can be given before or after surgery to reduce the risk of cancer returning.
Chemotherapy has side effects such as nausea, hair loss, infections, or damage to the kidneys, blood cells, and liver.