Take a minute to look inside your mouth. The lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, and the roof and floor of your mouth make up your oral cavity. Oral cancer begins when cells in any of these areas mutate and accumulate, forming a tumor. If left undetected, the cancer can grow and even spread to nearby lymph nodes in the neck.
“While oral cancer is less common, understanding the risk factors and early warning signs can help you take control of your health,” said Alain C. Mita, M.D., director of lung and head.& neck cancers at Hoag Family Cancer Institute specializing in the treatment of these cancers, as well as in the development of new therapies for cancer.
“As with most types of cancer, early detection of oral cancer is critical to improving a patient’s outcome,” says Dr. Mita. “What is somewhat unique about oral cancers is that the early signs are very visible and obvious to patients. This allows us to attack the cancer earlier with more precision and better outcomes.”
What Causes Oral Cancer? Tobacco use, heavy alcohol use and the human papillomavirus (HPV) increase the risk of someone developing oral cancer.
Other risk factors include a diet lacking in fruits and vegetables, chronic irritation or inflammation in the mouth, and a weakened immune system.
“While smoking, alcohol, and HPV are the main risk factors, anyone can develop oral cancer, and more than 20% of cases occur in people younger than 55,” said Dr. Mita. “If you are concerned about sores or other symptoms, see your doctor.”
What Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer? Recognizing the early signs of oral cancer is vital for early intervention. Symptoms can vary but may include:
- A lip or mouth sore that doesn’t heal
- A white or reddish patch on the inside of the mouth
- Loose teeth
- A growth or lump inside the mouth
- A growth or lump in the neck
- Mouth pain
- Ear pain
- Difficulty or painful swallowing, opening your mouth or chewing
“If you experience any one of these issues and they persist for more than two weeks, see your doctor or your dentist,” Dr. Mita said. “They can help you rule out more common causes, such as an infection.”
How Is Oral Cancer Treated? With a national five-year survival rate of around 69%, oral cancers are highly treatable, and new treatment options are being introduced and innovated every year. Hoag Family Cancer Institute is a leader in innovative treatment options, including immunotherapy, that can help people overcome oral cancer.
“We are living in an era where we now have treatments that we couldn’t have dreamed of 30 years ago, including phase-1 clinical trials that represent the most cutting-edge treatments available,” Dr. Mita said. “The advanced treatments offered at Hoag are typically only found at large academic cancer centers, which makes Hoag unique.”
Contending with oral cancer can be challenging, but with the right team, you can find a treatment plan that is tailored for you. If you notice any persistent symptoms, don’t wait—reach out to your Hoag doctor today to get the care and guidance you need.
To learn more about the Hoag Family Cancer Institute Head & Neck Cancer Program visit Hoag.org.
For additional information on the Hoag Family Cancer Institute, click here.
