Tobacco Use and Oral Cancer

What is Oral Cancer?

There are 2 types of oral cancer:

• Cavity Cancer - starts in the mouth and can include the lips, tongue, or mouth
• Oropharyngeal Cancer - develops in the part of the throat just behind the mouth (the oropharynx).

What are the symptoms:

• Pain in the mouth that won't go away
• A sore in the mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal
• A sore in the mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal
• A lump or thickening in the cheek
• A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth
• A sore throat
• Feeling that something is caught in the throat
• Difficulties chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue or jaw

Many of these symptoms can be caused by other medical conditions, so it is important to talk to your doctor to determine the source.

How Do You Get Oral Cancer?

• 90% of all oral cancers are caused by tobacco use.
• 75% to 80% of those with oral cancer also drink alcohol frequently.

Therefore by avoiding tobacco and alcohol you can greatly decrease your risk of developing oral cancer.

Other factors can contribute to oral cancers as well, such as, prolonged exposure to the sunlight, diet low in fruits and vegetables and the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Treatment Options Include:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation

If you use tobacco and need help quitting contact your local tobacco quitline at 1-800-QUIT NOW, American Cancer Society.

 

St. Joseph's Hospital and Health Center
Southwest Healthcare Services
West River Health Services
ND Department of Health
ND Cancer Coalition
North Dakota Cancer Coalition
Go Red ND
American Heart Association
MyPyramid.gov
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
American Institute for Cancer Research
Kids a Cookin'