Signs and Symptoms of Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer

Lip and oral cavity cancer belongs to the family of head and neck cancers, and is any cancerous tissue that is located in the oral cavity, including the lips. The oral cavity includes the front of the tongue, the gums, the lining of the inside of the cheeks, the roof of the mouth, and the bottom of the mouth under the tongue. We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms of lip and oral cavity cancer below.

Also, we have information on diagnosis, helpful books and valuable resources for patients.

The Signs and Symptoms of Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer are as follows:

• A sore, lesion or ulcer in the moth or on the lips that does not heal
• A white or red patch of tissue on the sides of the mouth or on the gums
• The sore is usually small
• The sore is usually painless
• In advanced stages, a burning sensation or pain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Trouble moving the tongue or jaw
• Trouble chewing or swallowing

Ninety percent of all oral cancers are squamous cell carcimomas, a type of skin cancer. There may be no signs and symptoms of a lip and oral cavity cancer, and it is often first found by a dental professional during a regular dental exam.

The signs and symptoms of lip and oral cavity cancer occur most often in people who are heavy users of tobacco and alcohol. Using tobacco in any form, including chewing tobacco, increases the risk for lip and oral cancer by seventy-five percent. Being both a heavy smoker and a heavy drinker multiplies the risk of signs and symptoms of lip and oral cancer exponentially.

Diagnosis of Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer

A diagnosis of lip and oral cavity cancer can only be definitively made by a tissue biopsy, since cancerous and non-cancerous lesions look alike. If lip and oral cavity cancer is suspected, a dentist or health care professional can do a non-invasive brush biopsy, which tests for pre-cancerous cells.

Books For People With Signs and Symptoms of Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer

Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer Resources

General Patient Resources

• National Cancer Institute

Learn about oral cancer treatment, prevention, causes, screening, clinical trials, research, and statistics from the National Cancer Institute.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/oral/

• RD

Lip and oral cavity cancer information including symptoms, diagnosis, misdiagnosis, treatment, causes, patient stories, videos, forums, prevention, and more.

http://www.rightdiagnosis.com/l/lip_and_oral_cavity_cancer/intro.htm

• Your Cancer Today

Lip and oral cavity cancer information including symptoms, diagnosis, misdiagnosis, treatment, causes, patient stories, videos, forums, prevention, and more.

http://www.yourcancertoday.com/Cancers/Oral-Cavity-Cancer/107

• Medpedia

Information About Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer.

http://wiki.medpedia.com/Lip_and_Oral_Cavity_Cancer

Medical Resources

• Web MD

General information about lip and oral cavity cancer.

http://www.webmd.com/cancer/tc/ncicdr0000258017-general-information-about-lip-and-oral-cavity-cancer