Types of oral cancer

Lip cancer is the most common type of mouth cancer. It’s both an oral and a skin cancer but is typically treated as oral cancer based on its location. When caught early, the prognosis is good, and treatment often involves surgery without the need for radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or lymph node removal. In advanced cases, tumors may spread to nearby nerves or the jawbone, requiring more extensive surgery and additional treatments.

At Penn Medicine, reconstructive specialists use advanced techniques to repair defects in the upper lip, minimizing scarring while preserving lip function to prevent issues like drooling or difficulty speaking.

Cancer of the gum and jaw can develop in the upper or lower gums and may invade the jawbone as it progresses. Gum cancer is often linked to smoking, chewing tobacco, and heavy alcohol use. Symptoms may include bleeding, thickening, cracking, or sores on the gums. Treatment may involve removing part or all of the upper or lower jawbone. In advanced cases requiring removal of a full segment of the jawbone, facial reconstruction is necessary.

Penn Medicine’s reconstructive surgeons use virtual surgical planning (VSP), a computer-based technology, to simulate the surgery. VSP enables surgeons to customize jawbone implants with precision, resulting in shorter surgeries and reduced time under anesthesia.

Tongue cancer occurs in the front two-thirds of the tongue and is at high risk of spreading to the lymph nodes in the neck. Symptoms include bleeding, red or white patches, pain, numbness, and difficulty swallowing. Treatment often involves surgically removing part of the tongue.

Penn Medicine’s surgeons reconstruct the tongue using tissue from the forearm or thigh. This reconstruction helps preserve tongue function, allowing people to speak and swallow effectively.