Oral cancer is a disease when malignant cells are found in the tissue of the lips or mouth. The oral cavity includes: the front two-thirds of the tongue, the upper and lower gums (the Gingiva), the lining of the inside of the cheeks and lips (the Buccal Mucosa), the bottom of the mouth under the tongue, the bony top of the mouth (the hard Palate), and the small area behind the wisdom teeth (the Retromolar Trigone).Early Warning Signs of Oral Cancer* Any sores on the face, neck or mouth that does not heal within two weeks.* Swelling, lumps or bumps on the lips, gums or other areas inside the mouth.* White, red, or dark patches in the mouth.

* Repeated bleeding in the mouth.

* Numbness, loss of feeling. or pain in any area of the face, mouth or neck.

A doctor should be seen if any of the above signs are present. Often lip and oral cavity cancers are found by dentists when examining the teeth.

Risks For Developing Oral Cancer

* The use of tobacco products.

* Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.

* Exposed to sunlight on a regular basis.

* Having habits such as lip biting and cheek chewing.

* Having ill-fitting dentures.

Understandind the causative factors also contribute to prevention and control of oral cancer. The most common related factor that may contribute to developing cancer is age. About 95% of oral cancers occur in persons older than 40.

Treatment Option

There are treatments for all patients with oral cavity cancers:

* Surgery- the doctor may remove the cancer and some healthy tissue around the cancer.

* Radiation Therapy- the use of high energy x-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.

* Chemotherapy- uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemo may be taken by pill, or may be given in an IV.

Oral Self Examination

To perform the oral self exam, follow the following 7 easy steps. Look at and feel your:

1. Head and Neck – look at your face and neck in a mirror. Look for any lumps, bumps, or swellings that are only on one side of your face.

2. Face– examine the skin on your face. Is there any color or size changes, sore, moles, or growths?3. Neck– press along the sides and front of your neck. Do you feel any tenderness or lumps?

4. Lips– pull your lower lip down and look inside for any sores or color changes. Use your thumb and forefinger to feel the lips for lumps, bumps, or changes in texture.

5. Cheek– pull out your cheek so you can see the inside, look for red, white, or dark patches. Put your index finger on the inside of your cheek and your thumb on the outside. Gently squeeze and roll your cheek between your fingers to check for lumps or areas of tenderness.

6. Roof of the Mouth– tilt your head back and open your mouth wide to see if there are lumps or if the color is different than normal. Run your finger on the roof to feel for any lumps.

7. Floor of Mouth and Tongue– stick out your tongue and look at the top surface for color and texture. Look at both sides of the tongue for any swellings or color change. Examine the underside of your tongue by placing the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth.

If you find anything out of the ordinary, particularly anything that does not heal or go away in two weeks, or that has recently changed. Discuss it with your oral health professional or physician.