A biopsy is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
The vast majority of oral cancers are squamous cell cancers.
Squamous cells are the thin, flat cells that line the mouth and throat.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
Much less commonly, non-squamous cell oral cancers like salivary gland tumors or lymphoma may develop.
Oral surgeons and oral medicine dentists may also specialize in oral cancers.
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Illustration by Verywell
If suspicious areas are visualized during the exam, a tissue sample (called a biopsy) is removed.
Overall, staging is used to both determine proper treatment and help predict a person’s prognosis or outlook.
Stage 2 tumors are larger in size, growing past 2 centimeters.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
It’s wise to discuss all of the options in relation to your case.
Surgery may be performed by an ENT or an oral maxillofacial surgeon (OMFS).
An OMFS is dual trained and dual degreed as a dentist and physician.
This allows them to resect the tumor and do reconstructive surgery to restore functions of the jaw.
For advanced cancers, chemotherapy may be used to slow tumor growth and ease symptoms.
This protein helps cancers cells grow and duplicate, so by blocking it, cancer growth may be halted.
This has inspired many doctors and dentists to perform more detailed oral exams during routine appointments.
American Cancer Society.Risk factors for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers.
American Cancer Society.Signs and symptoms of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer.
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.Oral cancer.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Cancers due to HPV.
American Cancer Society.Tests for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers.
American Cancer Society.Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer stages.
American Cancer Society.Surgery for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer.
American Cancer Society.Radiation therapy for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer.
American Cancer Society.Chemotherapy for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer.
American Cancer Society.Targeted therapy for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer.
American Cancer Society.Palliative treatment for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer.
National Cancer Institute.Head and neck cancers.
Usatine RP, Smith MA, Chumley HS, Mayeaux EJ, Jr.. Chapter 43.
