MOUTH CANCER

Oral cancer is any cancerous tissue growth located in the mouth. It may arise as a primary lesion originating in any of the oral tissues, by metastasis from a distant site of origin, or by extension from a neighboring anatomic structure, such as the nasal cavity or the maxillary sinus. Oral cancers may originate in any of the tissues of the mouth, and may be of varied histologic types: teratoma, adenocarcinoma derived from a major or minor salivary gland, lymphoma from tonsillar or other lymphoid tissue, or melanoma from the pigment producing cells of the oral mucosa. Far and away the most common oral cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, originating in the tissues that line the mouth and lips. Oral or mouth cancer most commonly involves the tissue of the lips or the tongue. It may also occur on the floor of the mouth, cheek lining, gingiva (gums), or palate (roof of the mouth). Most oral cancers look very similar under the microscope and are called squamous cell carcinoma. These are malignant and tend to spread rapidly.
Symptoms
Skin lesion, lump, or ulcer: On the tongue, lip, or other mouth area Usually small Most often pale colored, may be dark or discolored Early sign may be a white patch (leukoplakia) or a red patch (erythroplakia) on the soft tissues of the mouth Usually painless initially May develop a burning sensation or pain when the tumor is advanced Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:Tongue problems Swallowing difficulty Mouth sores that do not resolve in 14 days Pain and paraesthesia are late symptoms