National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Oral cancer


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Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth, lips, and oropharynx (the part of the throat at the back of the mouth). Most cases are designated as squamous cell carcinomas because they begin in the flat cells (squamous cells) that cover the surfaces of the mouth, tongue, and lips.[1] About 42,000 individuals in the United Stated are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. Most cases occur in people over age 40. Men are twice as likely to be affected as women.[2] The use of alcohol and/or tobacco is associated with approximately 75 percent of oral cancers.[1] Other risk factors include HPV, a sexually transmitted disease; increasing age; sun exposure; and a poor diet. Treatment for oral cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy.[1]
Last updated: 6/21/2016

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Oral cancer. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Organizations Providing General Support

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

  • You can obtain information on this topic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is recognized as the lead federal agency for developing and applying disease prevention and control, environmental health, and health promotion and education activities designed to improve the health of the people of the United States.
  • MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.
  • The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library provides information on this condition for patients and caregivers. 
  • The National Cancer Institute provides the most current information on cancer for patients, health professionals, and the general public.
  • The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), purposes to improve oral, dental and craniofacial health through research, research training, and the dissemination of health information. Click on the link to view information on this topic. 
  • Cancer.Net, a resource from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, provides information about oral cancer. Click on the above link to access this information.
  • The American Cancer Society provides information about oral cancer. Click on the link to access this information.

Selected Full-Text Journal Articles

  • Kademani D. Oral cancer. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2007 Jul;82(7):878-887. 

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know.

  1. What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer. National Cancer Institute. 2009; http://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/wyntk-oral.pdf.
  2. Oral Cancer. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. August 2014; http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/OralCancer/OralCancer.htm.