Topic Overview
Oral cancer may develop in any part of the mouth. Risk factors for oral cancer include smoking or chewing tobacco and excessive use of alcohol.
It is important to check regularly for symptoms of oral cancer. See the When to Call a Doctor section of this topic for a list of symptoms.
For additional information on oral cancer, see the following topics:
- Oral Cavity Cancer – Health Professional Information [NCI PDQ]
- Oral Cavity Cancer – Patient Information [NCI PDQ]
Prevention
The following guidelines can help you prevent oral cancer:
- Don't use tobacco in any form.
- Drink alcohol only in moderation.
- Get dental checkups twice a year so that signs of oral cancer can be detected early.
When to Call a Doctor
Call your doctor if you have one or more of the following symptoms longer than 2 weeks without explanation:
- A sore in your mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal
- A lump or thickening in your cheek that you can feel with your tongue
- A white or red patch on your gums, your tongue, or the lining of your mouth
- A sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in your throat
- Unexplained difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving your jaw or tongue
- Numbness in your tongue or other areas of your mouth
- Swelling in your jaw that makes your dentures fit poorly or causes discomfort
Other Places To Get Help
Organizations
| American Cancer Society | |
| Phone: | 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345) |
| TDD: | 1-866-228-4327 (toll-free) |
| Web Address: | www.cancer.org |
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The American Cancer Society conducts educational programs and offers many services to people with cancer and to their families. Staff at the toll-free numbers have information about services and activities in local areas and can provide referrals to local ACS divisions. |
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| American Dental Association | |
| 211 East Chicago Avenue | |
| Chicago, IL 60611-2678 | |
| Phone: | (312) 440-2500 |
| Web Address: | www.ada.org |
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The American Dental Association (ADA), the professional membership organization of practicing dentists, provides information about oral health care for children and adults. The ADA can also help you find a dentist in your area. |
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Credits
| Author | Debby Golonka, MPH |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | March 15, 2007 |
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