When you have cancer, you need a supportive environment and compassionate medical care. At Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute, our oral, head and neck cancer specialists blend a gentle approach to care with world-recognized expertise and innovations to detect and treat your specific cancer.
We’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your unique needs. By collaborating with other world-renowned cancer researchers and incorporating groundbreaking discoveries, our experts design the best, most effective therapies for you.
Oral cavity cancer is also called mouth cancer. It’s a type of head and neck cancer that develops when cancerous (malignant) cells form in your lips or mouth. Oral cavity cancer is the most common type of head and neck cancer. More than 90 percent of these cancers occur in the squamous cells that line your mouth, tongue and lips. Squamous cells are also found in your skin and respiratory tract.
Oral cavity cancer is closely linked to pharyngeal (oral pharyngeal) cancer. The oral cavity and pharynx are close to each other within the head and neck.
The oral cavity includes the first two-thirds of the tongue. It also includes the:
There are four main types of oral cavity cancer.
Many of the signs of oral cancer can be caused by a different cancer or another noncancerous condition. So, early detection is important to make sure you get the right treatment. Talk to your doctor if any of these symptoms linger for more than two weeks:
According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for oral cavity cancer that hasn’t spread is 94 percent. If the cancer spreads to surrounding tissues or organs, the five-year survival rate drops to 38 percent.
Oral cavity cancer can significantly impact your health and well-being. But, when it’s detected early, this cancer is highly treatable. So, it’s important to know your risk factors for developing oral cavity cancer.
While having risk factors doesn’t mean you will develop oral cavity cancer, they will put you at an increased risk. Our specialists at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute can help you identify and understand your risk factors.
The greatest risk factors for oral cavity cancer include:
Other risk factors can include:
Oral cavity cancer is highly preventable. Changing your lifestyle behaviors can reduce your chances for developing this condition. Some prevention strategies include:
Regular primary care and dental care are vital to monitoring your oral health. These check-ups can reveal signs or symptoms of cancer that may not be obvious.
Our cancer specialists at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute expertly combine the best of clinical research with the best of patient care to deliver your best outcomes.
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