Oral cancer is cancer of the mouth or throat. Tobacco and alcohol use are among the strongest risk factors for oral cancer.
Oropharyngeal cancer refers to cancer of the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils. The human papillomavirus (HPV) causes most oropharyngeal cancers. Click here for more information on HPV and oropharyngeal cancer.
Your dentist may be able to detect some oral precancers and cancers early. Visit your dentist every six months and ask for an oral cancer exam.
Tobacco and alcohol use are among the strongest risk factors for oral cancer.
You are at risk for oral cancer if you:
If you have any of these symptoms, see your dentist or other health care provider right away.
Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and newer targeted therapies may be used alone or in combination.