6 Types of Oral Cancer

In 2011, more than 13,000 people in the US have been diagnosed with oral cancer. This is a rough estimate from the American Cancer Society.

Oral Cancer begins in the gums, tongue, the floor of the mouth, and lips. Note however that there are many types of oral cancer, knowing which one you are diagnosed with will help greatly in your oral cancer treatment and action plan.

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Below are the types of oral cancer:

Squamous cell carcinoma.  More than 90% of oral cancer conditions begin in the oral cavity and oropharynx; these often develop to squamous cell carcinoma. Squamous cell carcinoma is a common form of skin cancer that progresses in the outer layer of the skin.  There are tissues on your mouth and throat that are lined with abnormal cells in a scale like way.

Verrucous carcinoma.  Another form of squamous cell carcinoma, verrucous carcinoma is where the cancer cells form an oral cavity tumor. The good thing with verrucous carcinoma is that it seldom spreads to other parts of your body, however it attacks the tissue where it all began making the tumor bigger.

Minor salivary gland carcinomas. There are three common types of major salivary glands on each side of your face.  The parotid gland, found in front of your ears, is where about 7 out of 10 tumors begin. The submandibular gland, found below the jaw, gives smaller tumors. The most frequent type of minor salivary gland cancer originates in the sublingual gland, which is found under the floor of your mouth. Often there are salivary glands that are too minute to the bare eye that is why a lab test maybe needed.

Lymphomas.  This type of oral cancer grows within the lymph tissue. The cancer cells distresses white blood cells called lymphocytes. Be wary, as this type of cancer affects your immune system; as the lymphatic system is part of our immune system.

Leukoplakia and erythroplakia. These are non-cancerous conditions where in abnormal cells may be found in your mouth or throat. These are often a warning sign of cancer and can turn serious. These conditions develop into a different type of cancer. Best to have a biopsy or tests to establish if the cells are indeed cancerous. Twenty five percent of leukoplakia are precancerous while 70% of erythroplakia have been deemed as cancerous.

Benign oral cavity and oropharyngeal tumors.  A benign tumor is non-cancerous as it is unable to attack neighbouring cells and tissues. With a surgery the tumor may be removed, however, there may be benigh lesions. 

Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com