Types of Mouth Cancer: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options

Types of mouth cancer

There are several types of mouth cancer, each of these cancers are based on the type of cells involved. 

Here are the most common types, including:

Squamous cell carcinoma:

This is the most common type of oral cancer, accounting for 90% of all mouth cancers. These cancers develop in the thin, flat cells, also known as squamous cells, lining the mouth and throat. Many studies have shown that squamous cell carcinoma tends to spread quickly if not treated early.  

Verrucous carcinoma:

This is a rare, slow- growing form of squamous cell carcinoma, these types of cancers often appear as a thick, warty growth. It rarely spreads to distant parts of the body, but can invade nearby tissues as well. 

Minor salivary gland carcinoma:

These types of cancers often develop in the small salivary glands located under the lining of the mouth and throat. These types often include mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma, which used to vary in terms of aggressiveness and treatment needs. 

Lymphoma:

In some cases, the cancers of the lymphatic tissues in the tonsils or base of the tongue can develop and are often classified as lymphomas. 

Melanoma of the oral cavity 

These types of cancers can occur inside the mouth, typically on the roof or gums. Oral melanomas are considered rare but are highly aggressive and require immediate treatments. 

Causes and risk factors

These types of cancers often develop when the DNA in the mouth cells starts to change (mutate), causing the cells to grow uncontrollably and form tumors as well. The exact cause of developing  these cancers is not clear yet. However, there are some risk factors that increase the risk of developing these cancers.

• Tobacco use:

Smoking cigarettes, and even using smokeless tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff, is considered the biggest risk factor for these cancer’s development. 

• Excessive alcohol consumption:

People with frequent drinking habits can often irritate mouth tissues and increase the risk of cancer. The risk is even higher for those who both drink frequently and use tobacco together.

• Human Papillomavirus Infection:

Some strains of HPV, especially HPV-16, are often linked to cancers that develop in the base of the tongue and tonsils. HPV-related mouth cancer often tends to affect younger, non-smoking individuals.

• Poor Oral Hygiene:

These cancers are found usually commonly in people with poor oral hygiene, chronic irritation from a rough tooth, broken filling, or ill-fitting dentures, which might increase the risk over time.

• Sun Exposure:

People with prolonged exposure to sunlight are at a known risk factor for lip cancer, especially people who work mostly outdoors.

• Diet and Nutrition:

Following a diet with low fruits and vegetables, which is a source of antioxidants might increase the risk of oral cancer. 

• Family history of cancer and Genetic factors:

People with a family history of mouth cancer or certain genetic conditions that can also increase the risk of this cancer development. 

Treatment options

The treatment for mouth cancer mainly depends on the type, stage, and location of the cancer, along with the patient's overall health condition. The treatments also include a multidisciplinary team of specialized oncologists, surgical oncologists, and, in some cases, dentists as well. These specialists usually work together to offer more personalized treatment options for patients. 

Here are some of the treatment options are used, including:

• Surgery

Surgery is the first line of treatment used to remove the tumor and surrounding tissues. In some cases, a section of the tongue, jaw, or lymph nodes might need to be removed, if the cancer has spread. A reconstructive surgery is recommended to restore the appearance and function.  

• Radiation therapy

These treatments use a high beam of energy which is used to target and destroy cancer cells, these radiation therapy might be used alone or combined with surgery or chemotherapy for more advanced stages. 

• Chemotherapy

These treatments are often used to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth. Chemotherapy is often combined with radiation therapy (chemoradiation) for more aggressive types of cancers.

• Targeted therapy

Targeted drugs, such as, cetuximab, specifically used to attack the cancer cells with certain genetic mutations, sparing normal cells and reducing side effects.  

• Immunotherapy

For advanced or recurrence cancer cases, immunotherapy helps the immune system to recognise and fight cancer cells more effectively.

Living with mouth cancer

If you or any loved ones of yours are recovering from mouth cancer, then understand that recovery mainly depends on early detection and timely medical attention. Additionally, it also depends on the type of treatment, and overall health condition of a patient. 

Here are some of the post-treatment care may include:

• Speech or swallowing therapy
• Nutritional support
• Reconstructive surgery
• Regular follow-up visit to your oncologist
• Screening tests to monitor cancer recurrence

Note: It's important to understand that strong support from family, friends and engaging with cancer support groups can also help patients to cope up emotionally and mentally, throughout their recovery journey!