Oral cancer
What is oral cancer?
Oral cavity cancer starts in cells of the mouth. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and risks in our guide to oral cancer.
Risks for oral cancer
Risks for oral cancer include tobacco, alcohol, betel quid and infection with human papillomavirus (HPV).
Symptoms of oral cancer
Symptoms of oral cavity cancer include white or red patches or a sore that doesn’t heal on the lip or in the mouth. Learn about oral cavity cancer symptoms.
Diagnosis of oral cancer
Tests to diagnose oral cavity cancer, such as endoscopy, are done when symptoms or a routine exam suggests a problem. Learn about diagnosing oral cancer.
Grading oral cancer
Grading is a way of classifying oral cavity cancer cells based on their appearance and behaviour when viewed under a microscope. To find out the grade of a tumour, the biopsy sample is examined under a microscope. A grade is given based on how the cancer cells look and behave compared with normal cells.
Stages of oral cancer
Staging is a way of describing or classifying a cancer based on the extent of cancer in the body. The most common staging system for oral cavity cancer is the TNM system. The International Union Against Cancer (UICC) uses the TNM system to describe the extent of many solid tumour cancers.
If oral cancer spreads
Cancer cells have the potential to spread from the oral cavity to other parts of the body where they can grow into new tumours. This process is called metastasis. The tumours are also called metastasis (singular) or metastases (plural). Metastases are also called secondary tumours.
Prognosis and survival for oral cancer
Prognosis and survival for oral cancer depend on the stage and where the tumour has spread.
Treatments for oral cancer
Treatments for oral cavity cancer include surgery and radiation. Learn about treatment plans and options for oral cavity cancer.
Supportive care for oral cancer
Supportive care helps people meet the physical, practical, emotional and spiritual challenges of oral cavity cancer. It is an important part of cancer care. There are many programs and services available to help meet the needs and improve the quality of life of people living with cancer and their loved ones, especially after treatment has ended.
Head and neck cancer statistics
Cancer statistics tell us how many people in Canada are diagnosed with and die from oral cavity cancer in a certain time frame.
Your trusted source for accurate cancer information
With support from readers like you, we can continue to provide the highest quality cancer information for over 100 types of cancer.
We’re here to ensure easy access to accurate cancer information for you and the millions of people who visit this website every year. But we can’t do it alone.
Every donation helps fund reliable cancer information, compassionate support services and the most promising research. Please give today because every contribution counts. Thank you.