Oral cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the mouth and throat. It can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth, and throat.

Symptoms of oral cancer can vary, but some common ones include:

• A sore that does not heal
• A lump in the mouth or neck
• White or red patches on the gums, tongue, or inside the mouth
• Bleeding in the mouth
• Loose teeth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain in the mouth or ear

The main risk factors for oral cancer are:

• Tobacco use (including smoking, chewing tobacco, and snuff)
• Heavy alcohol use
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
• Excessive sun exposure to the lips
• A weakened immune system

There are several different types of treatment for oral cancer, depending on the stage and location of the cancer. These may include:

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy