Oral cancer, specifically lip cancer, can form in any part of the mouth. Most oral cancers begin in the cells that cover the surfaces of the lips. Tests to diagnose oral cancer include a physical exam, endoscopy, biopsy, and imaging tests.

Symptoms

  • White or red patches in your mouth
  • A mouth sore that won't heal
  • Bleeding in your mouth

Treatments

Oral cancer treatments may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy or a combination of treatments.

Risk Factors

The risk of developing lip cancer is higher if you are male, use tobacco, drink lots of alcohol, experience frequent sun exposure, have HPV, or have a history of head or neck cancer. 

Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

department
A program within the Cancer Center providing diagnosis and treatment for head and neck cancers, including early-stage, recurrent, and aggressive disease, with coordinated care to …
department
A program within the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery providing diagnosis and treatment for oral cancers, including lip, tongue, gum, cheek, and salivary gland cancers.
department
An oncology department using advanced radiation therapy to treat cancer, with personalized planning and care to target tumors while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.
department
A program within the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery providing oral surgery and jaw surgery for conditions affecting the head, neck, face, and jaw, including trauma, …