Oral Cancer

Tobacco, heavy alcohol use, HPV 16 infection, increasing age, sun exposure to the lip, low fruit and vegetable intake, and inherited gene defects are linked with oral cancer.

A tumour's site, size, type, and whether it has spread are factors used when treatment is chosen; cancer found further along may need a combination of treatments.

Using tobacco and alcohol together raises risk more than either exposure alone. Cancer of the lip is also linked with sun exposure, and oral cancer is more common after age 40.

An oral cancer examination checks the face, neck, lips, whole mouth, and back of the throat. It is painless, takes a few minutes, and can identify early signs.

Treatment may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. More advanced disease may need a combination, chosen according to the tumour and the person's general health.

Care can involve surgeons, oral and maxillofacial specialists, ear, nose and throat specialists, medical or radiation oncologists, and support for speech, nutrition, reconstruction, or mental health.

Oral cancer can spread quickly. A mouth change that lasts more than two weeks, especially a sore, lump, patch, bleeding, numbness, or swallowing difficulty, warrants timely assessment.

Avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, protecting the lips from sun exposure, and eating more fruit and vegetables address several recognised oral-cancer risk factors.