Oral cancer

Overview

Oral cancer is cancer that starts as a growth of cells in any part of the mouth. Risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol use and infection with human papillomavirus, also called HPV.

Symptoms

Symptoms include a sore that doesn't heal, a lump, or a white or red patch on the inside of the mouth.

Treatments

Treatment includes surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy.