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Oral Cancer

Definition

Oral Cancer forms in the tissues of the lip or mouth. This includes the front two thirds of the tongue, the upper and lower gums, the lining inside the cheeks and lips, the bottom of the mouth under the tongue, the bony top of the mouth, and the small area behind the wisdom teeth. Most lip and oral cavity cancers start in squamous cells, the thin, flat cells that line the lips and oral cavity. These are called squamous cell carcinomas. Cancer cells may spread into deeper tissue as the cancer grows. Squamous cell carcinoma usually develops in areas of leukoplakia (white patches of cells that do not rub off).

Learn more in the University of Michigan Health System's Healthwise Knowledgebase:

Getting Diagnosed / Treatment

This cancer is treated at the U-M Cancer Center in the Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Cancer Clinic. Some types of oral cancer are also treated in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

The Head and Neck Oncology Program coordinates research efforts related to cancer of the tongue.

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Research Advancements

The Head and Neck Oncology Program has identified head and neck cancer stem cells. Please visit our Stem Cells in Head and Neck Cancer web pages to learn more.

How can I get more information about oral cancer?

You can also contact the Cancer Answerline at either 1-800-865-1125; or visit their web page.

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