Head and Neck Cancer

Oral Cancer

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Diagnosis

If an abnormal area has been found in the oral cavity, a biopsy will determine whether it is cancer. Usually, you are referred to a head and neck surgeon, who removes part or all of the lump or abnormal-looking area. A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope to check for cancer cells. Almost all oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, since squamous cells line the oral cavity.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated July 31, 2008