Cancer of the oral cavity (mouth, tongue, lips) affects 30,000 Americans a year. About 50% of these individuals will succumb to the disease within 5 years. Early detection improves the odds of survival. Patients are usually greater than 40 years of age, but not always. Men are affected more commonly than woman but the percentage of female patients is increasing. This is likely due to the increased number of woman who smoke tobacco and/or consume alcohol : two of the major risk factors for the disease. Other risk factors include sun exposure (lip cancer), chewing tobacco , and possibly, infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) .
Warning signs for oral cancer may include:
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non-healing ulcers
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ill fitting dentures
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firmness under the surface of tissue lining the oral cavity
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a mass that may bleed with manipulation
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discoloration of the tissue lining the oral cavity
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persistent soreness
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a lump in the neck
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loose dentition
Diagnosis is made by biopsy of the tissue. Imaging studies such as a computed tomography scan (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may help determine the extent of disease. Other test may be performed to evaluate for spread of cancer beyond the head and neck. Since as many as 10% of patients have a second unrelated cancer of the throat and/or chest, a full evaluation is recommended including endoscopy (the visualization of the swallowing and breathing passageways with scopes).
Treatment involves the use of surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these depending on the location and extent (stage) of disease. An important aspect of oral cancer treatment is the reconstruction of surgical defects and postoperative therapy to improve cosmetic outcome and functional results.
The VCU Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery leads a multispecialty group in the comprehensive management of oral cancers.
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