What is Oral Cancer?

A cancer of the oral cavity is a malignant tumor arising from the structures in or near the mouth. Most oral cancers are squamous cell carcinoma -- that is, they begin most typically in the cells that make up the mucous membrane lining the mouth. Rarely, other oral cancers arise from the surrounding structures, such as the jawbone and the hard palate (roof of the mouth). These may be adenocarcinomas (tumors arising from tiny mucous glands in the roof of the mouth or the cheeks) or osteosarcomas (tumors arising from the jawbone).

Cancer of the oral cavity represents 6 percent of all cancers diagnosed each year in the United States. The incidence is expected to rise as the population ages. Oral cancer accounts for 30 percent of all cancers in the head and neck. The disease affects males more often than females, by a ratio of 2:1. However, the number of females affected has increased over the past three decades, presumably because of increased use of tobacco by women.