As of: January 31, 2024, 2:00 p.m
By: Judith Braun
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A tumor can develop in any area of the oral cavity.
However, the tongue and floor of the mouth are particularly often affected - important signs.
Around 10,000 people in Germany develop oral cancer every year, according to a brochure from the
Association of Scientific Medical Societies
.
Men are more often affected by this type of cancer than women.
In addition, the number of oral cancers is increasing worldwide.
Any area in the oral cavity can be affected by oral cancer.
However, it occurs particularly frequently in two places.
Oral cancer: Tumors occur particularly frequently in two areas of the oral cavity
Oral cancer can also form on the lip.
However, the tongue and floor of the mouth are most commonly affected.
© Intuitivemedia/IMAGO
The oral cavity (Cavum oris) is bounded at the front by the lips, at the top by the palate, at the bottom by the floor of the mouth and at the side by the cheeks.
It also flows backwards into the throat and is largely filled by the tongue.
The entire oral cavity is lined with a mucosa.
It is called the oral mucosa and consists of the so-called squamous epithelium.
This is a mostly multi-layered cell structure made up of flat cells that are firmly connected to each other.
Oral cavity carcinoma is a malignant tumor in the head and neck area, with around 95 out of 100 malignant tumors of the oral cavity originating from the squamous epithelium of the oral mucosa.
Any part of the oral cavity can be affected by cancer cells.
It is also possible for cancer cells to form in several areas of the oral cavity or areas in the oral cavity and throat or larynx at the same time (multilocal tumor growth).
The following two places in the oral cavity are particularly often affected by a tumor:
Tongue
Floor of mouth
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Oral cancer: Typical signs that indicate a tumor in the oral cavity
Since oral cancer has no symptoms for a long time and is therefore often only detected late, you should consult a dentist or oncologist if changes in the mouth have existed for more than two weeks.
According to information from the Medical Faculty at Heidelberg University,
typical complaints can
include rough, hardened, gray, red or white spots.
In addition, a slight feeling of numbness (of the tongue, gums or lips), unclear bleeding, increased bad breath and salivation and pain when swallowing can also indicate oral cavity cancer.
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in the oral cavity.
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This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.