Cancer of the oral cavity often begins as a mass or ulcer on the tongue, palate, gums, or lips. Patients with oral cavity cancer may reports pain, bleeding, trouble swallowing, a change in voice, or trouble breathing. The physical exam often shows a mass or ulcer in the oral cavity. A biopsy in the office will often help determine whether the lesion is a benign or malignant condition.
Patients who are diagnosed with oral cavity cancer should seek the attention of a Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeon. Almost all oral cavity cancers are treated using minimally-invasive surgery with an emphasis on eradicating the cancer and conserving or restoring the vital functions of the oral cavity in breathing, chewing, and vocal articulation.
Advanced cancers of the oral cavity may be accompanied by spread of cancer to lymph nodes of the neck. In these cases, the lymph nodes of the neck may require treatment with surgery and radiation therapy.
Our Head and Neck Oncologic Surgeons are integral members of the multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Treatment Team which includes Medical Oncologists, Radiation Therapists, Pathologists, Oral Surgeons, and Speech Therapists.
For information about lip cancer, click here.