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Home Cancers We Treat Oral Cavity Cancer
Cancers We Treat

Cancers We Treat

Oral Cavity Cancer

Did you know tobacco and alcohol are risk factors for oral cavity cancer? Learn signs, symptoms and treatment options for the disease now at Baptist Cancer Center.

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Oral Cavity Cancer Explained

Oral cavity cancer starts in the mouth and includes the lips, cheeks, teeth, gums, front of the tongue, floor and roof of the mouth. The oral cavity stops at the throat just behind the mouth, called the oropharynx.

Oropharyngeal cancer (throat cancer) is closely related to oral cavity cancer (mouth cancer). It includes the back of the tongue, soft palate, tonsils and walls of the throat. Oropharynx and oral cavity tumors occur most often on the:

  • Tongue
  • Tonsils and oropharynx
  • Gums
  • Floor of the mouth

According to the American Cancer Society, oral cancers are more than twice as common in men as in women.

Oral Cavity Cancer Treatment Options

Typically, your dentist or dental hygienist will find signs of oral cancer or pre-cancer during a cleaning. If your dentist or doctor suspects you may have mouth or throat cancer, he or she will perform several tests:

  • Medical history
  • Physical exam
  • Head and neck exam (including lymph nodes)
  • Panendoscopy
  • Biopsy
  • HPV testing
  • Chest X-ray, CT scan or PET scan
  • Barium swallow
  • Blood tests

If you are diagnosed with mouth cancer, your doctor will recommend treatment depending on the type, size and stage. Oral cancer treatment options typically include:

The Different Types of Oral Cavity Cancers

There are several types of oral cancers, including:


Squamous cell carcinomas
More than 90% of oral cavity and oropharynx cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. They start in the lining of the throat and mouth. These cancers can spread to other areas of the body and should be removed immediately. A less common subtype of squamous cell carcinoma is verrucous carcinoma, which is slow growing and makes up less than 5% of mouth cancers.
Minor salivary gland carcinomas
Salivary gland cancer starts in the glands of the lining of the mouth or throat. Salivary glands make saliva and help prevent mouth and throat infections.
Larynx cancer
Cancers that start in the voice box or lower throat are called larynx and hypopharynx cancer.

Learn the Symptoms and Causes

Recognizing the signs of oral cavity cancer allows for timely intervention, potentially increasing the chances of successful treatment and improving your quality of life.

Causes and Risk Factors Symptoms

What are the symptoms of oral cavity cancer?

Many symptoms of oral cavity cancer are signs of noncancerous conditions. However, if you have persistent symptoms, see your doctor. Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer symptoms include:

  • A mouth sore that doesn’t heal
  • Persistent mouth pain
  • A lump in the cheek or neck
  • Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, tonsils or lining of the mouth
  • A sore throat or bad breath that doesn’t go away
  • Trouble chewing or swallowing
  • Numbness of the tongue
  • Swelling in the jaw
  • Loose or painful teeth
  • Changes in the voice
  • Unintentional weight loss

Common Signs and Symptoms

Many symptoms of oral cavity cancer are signs of noncancerous conditions. However, if you have persistent symptoms, see your doctor. Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer symptoms include:

  • A mouth sore that doesn’t heal
  • Persistent mouth pain
  • A lump in the cheek or neck
  • Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, tonsils or lining of the mouth
  • A sore throat or bad breath that doesn’t go away
  • Trouble chewing or swallowing
  • Numbness of the tongue
  • Swelling in the jaw
  • Loose or painful teeth
  • Changes in the voice
  • Unintentional weight loss
Three doctors in a professional conversation.

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Connect With a Patient Navigator

As a patient at Baptist Cancer Center, you will have access to a dedicated patient navigator who will act as your advocate and liaison between you and your health care teams. Our patient navigators are available at every step to schedule appointments, answer questions, explain the treatment process, and provide resources, education and support when you and your family need it.