What is oral cancer?

Oral cancer is cancer found in the oral cavity (the mouth area) and the oropharynx (the throat area at the back of the mouth). Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer is estimated to be diagnosed in almost 35,800 U.S. adults in 2010, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

The oral cavity includes:

• The lips, teeth, and gums

• The front two-thirds of the tongue

• The lining inside the lips and cheeks (buccal mucosa)

• The floor of the mouth (under the tongue)

• The top of the mouth (hard palate)

• The small area behind the wisdom teeth

The oropharynx includes:

• The back one-third of the tongue

• The soft palate

• The tonsils

• The back of the throat