What are the Different Types of Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is a sneaky, silent disease that can take on many different forms. 

From the tiny bumps and sores in your mouth to the more obvious lumps and lesions on your lips or tongue, oral cancer has many faces. 

But don't let its stealthy nature fool you – early detection and treatment are key to beating this deadly disease. 

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the various types of oral cancer, how it's diagnosed, and what treatment options are available to help you fight back against this devastating illness. 

Introduction to Oral Cancer

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, approximately 42,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year. 

Oral cancer is more common in men than in women, and its incidence increases with age. Oral cancer includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx (throat). 

Oropharyngeal cancer is cancer of the middle part of the pharynx (throat), including the base of the tongue and tonsils.

Although oral cancer is not as common as other types of cancer, it is often diagnosed at a late stage when treatment is more difficult. 

In fact, the 5-year survival rate for those with oral cancer is only about 57%. The good news is that when caught early, oral cancer has a high cure rate.

Most oral cancers are first detected by a dentist or other healthcare provider during a routine examination. 

Early detection is important because treatment is most effective when the cancer is small and has not spread to other parts of the body. 

If you have any concerns about your oral health, be sure to see your dentist or doctor for an examination.

What Are the Different Types of Oral Cancer?

Squamous cell carcinoma, the most common type of oral cancer, accounts for about 90% of all cases. 

However, there are other types of oral cancers that you need to be aware of as they can have devastating effects on your health and well-being.

There are several types of oral cancer, which can be broadly classified into two main categories: 

• Cancer of the mouth- includes cancers of the lips, tongue, gum, and Floor of the mouth. 

• Cancer of the throat -includes cancers of the pharynx and larynx.

Cancer of the mouth is often referred to as oral cavity cancer. 

The most common type of oral cavity cancer is squamous cell carcinoma, which starts in the thin, flat squamous cells that line the inside of the mouth. Other less common types include adenocarcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and Burkitt lymphoma.

Cancer of the throat is often referred to as pharyngeal cancer. The most common type is squamous cell carcinoma, which starts in the thin, flat squamous cells that line the inside of the throat. 

Other less common types include adenocarcinoma and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. 

1. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)

• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common type of oral cancer. It typically develops in the flat, thin cells that line the mouth and lips. 
• SCC can also develop in other areas of the head and neck, such as the larynx (voice box) and pharynx (throat).
• Most SCCs are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, including sunlight and tanning beds. Tobacco use is also a major risk factor for developing SCC. 
• People who use both tobacco and alcohol have an even higher risk of developing this type of cancer. 
• SCC usually appears as a firm, raised lump on the skin. It may be white or red in colour and may bleed easily. 
• SCC can also form ulcerations on the skin. If left untreated, SCC can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes and lungs. 
• If you notice any unusual changes in your mouth or throat, it's important to see your doctor right away. Early diagnosis is key to the successful treatment of oral cancer.

2. Verrucous Carcinoma

• Verrucous carcinoma is a type of oral cancer that most often affects the gums. It is characterized by wart-like growths on the gums that may bleed easily. 
• Verrucous carcinoma is generally slow-growing cancer, but it can be aggressive in some cases and can spread to other parts of the mouth or even to other parts of the body. 
• Treatment for verrucous carcinoma typically involves surgery to remove the cancerous growths. 

3. Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma

• Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a type of salivary gland cancer that most often occurs in the parotid gland. 
• MEC can also occur in other salivary glands, such as the submandibular and sublingual glands. 
• This type of cancer is typically slow-growing and can occur at any age, though it is most common in young adults. 
• Treatment for MEC typically involves surgery to remove the affected gland, as well as radiation therapy. 

4. Adenosquamous Carcinoma

Adenosquamous carcinoma is a rare type of squamous cell carcinoma that occurs in the lining of the mouth, larynx, or oesophagus. 

This cancer is a mix of both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma cells. Treatment for this type of cancer is typically surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. 

5. Sarcoma of the Mouth

• Sarcoma of the mouth is a cancer that forms in the tissues of the mouth. 
• It can occur in any part of the mouth, including the lips, gums, palate (roof of the mouth), or cheek. Sarcoma of the mouth is rare, accounting for only 1% of all oral cancers. 
• Symptoms of sarcoma of the mouth include a mass or lump in the mouth that does not go away, bleeding from the mass, pain or numbness in the mouth, and difficulty swallowing. 
• If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor or dentist right away for an evaluation. 
• Sarcoma of the mouth is diagnosed through a biopsy, which is a procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the suspicious area and examined under a microscope. 
• Once sarcoma of the mouth is diagnosed, treatment typically involves surgery to remove the tumour. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may also be used in some cases. 
• If you are diagnosed with sarcoma of the mouth, it is important to follow your treatment plan and see your doctor regularly for follow-up appointments. 
• You should also pay close attention to any changes in your mouth and report them to your doctor right away. 
• By doing this, you can help ensure that any potential problems are caught early and treated effectively. 

Prevention Strategies for Oral Cancer

There are many things you can do to reduce your risk of developing oral cancer or catch it early if you do develop it. 

• Quit smoking and using all tobacco products. This is the most important thing you can do. 

• Limit your alcohol intake. 

• Get regular dental checkups and cleanings. Your dentist can spot early signs of oral cancer. 

• Protect your lips from the sun with a lip balm that contains SPF 30 or higher. 

• Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Conclusion

Oral cancer can be a scary and life-threatening disease, but the good news is that it is highly treatable if caught early. 

We hope this article has helped to shed light on the various faces of oral cancer and arm you with knowledge about diagnosis and treatment options available for those who suffer from it. 

Early detection is key when it comes to treating any type of cancer, so don’t forget to schedule regular checkups with your dentist or doctor in order to catch any signs of oral health issues before they become serious ailments.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Types Of Oral Cancer Are There In Humans?

There are several types of oral cancer that can occur in humans. The most common types include squamous cell carcinoma, which accounts for about 90% of cases, as well as verrucous carcinoma, minor salivary gland carcinomas, and lymphomas.

2. What Type Of Oral Cancer Does HPV Cause?

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) can cause several types of cancer, including oral cancer. 

Specifically, HPV can cause oropharyngeal cancer, which affects the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils.

3. What Types Of HPV Cause Oral Cancer?

There are several types of HPV that can cause oral cancer, including HPV-16, HPV-18, HPV-31, HPV-33, and HPV-35. However, HPV-16 is the most common type associated with oral cancer.

4. Types Of Oral Cancer Prognosis?

The prognosis for oral cancer depends on several factors, including the stages of oral cancer, the location of the tumour, and the patient's overall health. 

Generally, the earlier the cancer is detected and treated, the better the prognosis. However, if cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the prognosis may be less favourable.

5. Where Are Oral Cancers Commonly Seen?

Oral cancers can occur anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, and roof or floor of the mouth. 

They can also occur in the oropharynx (the back of the throat), including the tonsils and the base of the tongue.

6. What is the first stage of mouth cancer?

The first stage of mouth cancer is called stage 1. At this stage, the cancer is small and localized, meaning it has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body. 

Treatment at this stage typically involves surgical removal of the tumour.

7. Types Of Oral Cancer Caused By Smoking?

Smoking is a major risk factor for oral cancer and can contribute to several types of oral cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma, verrucous carcinoma, and minor salivary gland carcinoma.