Oral Cavity Cancers

Oral cavity cancers start from the tissues of the mouth and throat. Oral cancers are usually discovered at a later stage if proper attention is not given to the symptoms. The doctor, according to the severity of cancer, prescribes the appropriate treatment.

Types of oral cavity cancers are lips, tongue, the floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, gums and inner lining of the cheek.

After closely examining the back of the throat, floor and roof of the mouth,  tongue, cheeks and lymph nodes, the doctor may perform one or two other tests as follows –

• PET scan to find how far cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other organs.
• CT scan to know if there are any tumours in the neck, mouth, tongue, lungs or throat.
• X-rays to determine that if the cells have travelled to the jaw, chests or lungs.
• MRI scan to get the precise image of the head and neck.
• Endoscopy to examine the windpipe and trachea, sinuses, inner throat and nasal passages.

All the tests are performed to determine to what extent cancer has travelled.