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Oral cancer

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that originates in the mouth. Oral cancer occurs in the lips, tongue, the bottom of the mouth, the mucous membrane on the cheek, the gums or palate. Almost all tumors in the mouth originate in the mucous membrane. That is the outermost cell layer in the mouth. These tumors in the mucous membrane are also called squamous cell carcinomas . 

Oral cancer is not common. That is why only a few specialized hospitals treat this disease, for example the Netherlands Cancer Institute. Every year, about 200 people in the Netherlands develop lip cancer and 700 people get oral cancer. Oral cancer is more common in men than in women. Most of them are over 50 years old at the time.

On this page you can read more about the symptoms, examinations and treatments for oral cancer. 

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AVL Head and Neck Cancer Center

In the case of tumours in the head and neck area, you are in good hands at the NKI Head and Neck Cancer Centre. Read more about the center, our specialists, the experiences of our patients and innovations.
Head and Neck Cancer Center

Learn more about oral cancer

Causes of oral cancer

The risk of oral cancer increases due to:

  • Smoking or using chewing tobacco
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Poor oral care

Symptoms of oral cancer

If you have oral cancer, you may have an ulcer or lump in the mouth that does not heal on its own. You may also see red or white spots in the mouth. These are on the mucous membrane, the outer layer. Sometimes part of the face feels numb or numb.

Some people have loose teeth or pain in the mouth or even to the ears. Swallowing can be difficult or painful. This will help you lose weight. Some people have swelling in the mouth.

Metastases in oral cancer

Oral cancer can metastasize. This means that the cancer cells from the tumor in the oral cavity spread to other parts of the body. This can happen through the blood or the lymphatic system, the fluid channels in the body that clean up waste products.

Examination and diagnosis

To diagnose oral cancer, we do the following tests:

Bloedbuisjes

Blood tests
MRI scan

MRI scan
Echografie

Ultrasound
Punctie zoom

Liquid biopsy
Biopsie verpleegkundigen

Tissue biopsy
Nucleaire geneeskunde pet

PET/CT scan

Oral cancer treatment

The treatment you receive for oral cancer depends on the type of tumour. Your health and fitness also play a role. The doctor will explain well in advance what is going to happen and you will have plenty of time to ask questions. You will receive one or more of the following treatments:

Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer

Surgery for cancer in the oral cavity and throat

Chemotherapy

Immunotherapy

Chemoradiation

Waiting

We want to inform you as well as possible about the waiting time per condition. We do this based on a prognosis of the current waiting list. The waiting time can vary from patient to patient for various reasons. Your attending physician will give you more information during your outpatient consultation.

  • 5 days

    First appointment

    This is approximately how long it will take until you have your first appointment

  • 5 days

    Rapid diagnostics

    This is approximately how long it will take before you can start rapid diagnostics at the NKI

  • 18 days

    Second opinion

    This is approximately how long it will take before you come in for a second opinion at the NKI

Read more about making an appointment or second opinion here

Make an appointment

Second opinion or transfer

Disclaimer

This translation was generated automatically based on information in Dutch. It has not been reviewed by a medical specialist. The purpose of this translation is to make our information accessible to non-Dutch speakers. However, this information should not be considered a substitute for medical advice from your treating physician. The Netherlands Cancer Institute cannot guarantee the accuracy of this translation. For medical questions or advice, please consult your physician.

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