Health Library Oral CancerFrom Healthwise

Oral cancer may develop in any part of the mouth. Risk factors for oral cancer include smoking or chewing tobacco and excessive use of alcohol.

It is important to check regularly for symptoms of oral cancer. See the When to Call a Doctor section of this topic for a list of symptoms.

For additional information on oral cancer, see the following topics:

• Oral Cavity Cancer – Health Professional Information [NCI PDQ]
• Oral Cavity Cancer – Patient Information [NCI PDQ]

The following guidelines can help you prevent oral cancer:

• Don't use tobacco in any form.
• Drink alcohol only in moderation.
• Get dental checkups twice a year so that signs of oral cancer can be detected early.

Call your doctor if you have one or more of the following symptoms longer than 2 weeks without explanation:

• A sore in your mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal
• A lump or thickening in your cheek that you can feel with your tongue
• A white or red patch on your gums, your tongue, or the lining of your mouth
• A sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in your throat
• Unexplained difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving your jaw or tongue
• Numbness in your tongue or other areas of your mouth
• Swelling in your jaw that makes your dentures fit poorly or causes discomfort

Organizations

• Alcohol and Drug Problems
• Basic Dental Care
• Quitting Tobacco Use
• Tooth Decay

Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH	Last Updated: March 15, 2007
Medical Review:	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
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