Know the Types of Oral Cancer

When cancer cells grow on the lips, throat, or mouth, health professionals call this oral cancer.^1,3 The cancer may form inside the mouth, also called the oral cavity,¹ which includes the:

• Gums

• Lining inside the lips and cheeks, called the labial or buccal mucosa

• Front two-thirds of the tongue

• Floor of the mouth, under the tongue

• Roof of the mouth, called the hard palate

• Area behind the wisdom teeth¹

Most oral cancer starts in the cells that line the lips and mouth.¹ But it can spread quickly.³ As the cancer grows, it may move on to deeper tissue, the lymph nodes, or other areas of the body.¹

Oral cancers don’t always cause symptoms.¹ That’s why regular visits to your dental professional are important. Having a regular dental exam can help you detect oral cancer early on—when it is most treatable.^1,2

Seventy-five percent of oral cancers are related to alcohol ot tobacco use.³ You can prevent most types of oral cancer.³ Here’s how:

• Don’t use tobacco.³

• Don’t drink too much alcohol.³

• Use a lip balm that contains sunscreen.³

• Eat a healthy diet that includes fruits and veggies.³

¹ “Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) Patient Version.” National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, August 27, 2008. www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/lip-and-oral-cavity/patient Accessed 2010.

² “Oral Cancer.” American Cancer Society, 2007. www.cancer.org/downloads/PRO/OralCancer.pdf Accessed 2010.

³ “Oral Cancer.” National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, September 25, 2008. www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/OralCancer/OralCancer.htm Accessed 2010.