Oral Oncology & Dysplasia
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Why choose UCSF Health for oral dysplasia and oncology care?
UCSF Health offers one of the only programs in the U.S. for oral dysplasia, a precancerous condition affecting the lips, mouth or tongue. We welcome patients who were diagnosed with oral dysplasia or oral cancer in the past and those at risk for these conditions.
Our oral oncology specialists care for people undergoing cancer treatment, who may be experiencing side effects from cancer therapies that affect the mouth.
If you've been diagnosed with oral cancer and are seeking cancer care, you can get expert, compassionate care with UCSF Health's head and neck cancer program.
Why choose UCSF Health for oral dysplasia and oncology care?
UCSF Health offers one of the only programs in the U.S. for oral dysplasia, a precancerous condition affecting the lips, mouth or tongue. We welcome patients who were diagnosed with oral dysplasia or oral cancer in the past and those at risk for these conditions.
Our oral oncology specialists care for people undergoing cancer treatment, who may be experiencing side effects from cancer therapies that affect the mouth.
If you've been diagnosed with oral cancer and are seeking cancer care, you can get expert, compassionate care with UCSF Health's head and neck cancer program.
Unique services
You receive highly specialized care at one of the few dedicated oral oncology and oral dysplasia programs in the nation.Early detection
Identifying oral cancer and precancerous lesions at an early stage is critical. Early detection saves lives and enables less invasive, more effective treatments.Comprehensive follow-up care
Many people with precancerous oral lesions are at risk of developing more in the future. We monitor your condition long-term, ensuring we catch problems early.Seamless transition between specialties
We collaborate with experts throughout UCSF Health, coordinating your care with oncologists and other specialists.
Advanced oral dysplasia care at UCSF Health
We care for people with oral dysplasia, leukoplakia and erythroleukoplakia. These precancerous conditions often cause red, white or red-and-white lesions on the mouth, tongue or lips. We also provide long-term monitoring for patients with conditions or health histories that increase the risk of oral cancers, such as:
Dyskeratosis congenita
Fanconi anemia
Hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Solid organ transplant
We work closely with experts in other UCSF Health specialties to ensure that we tailor care to your needs. Our team includes dentistry experts and cancer specialists who:
Monitor those at risk of oral cancer
Treat and manage oral dysplasia
Provide long-term follow-up to help prevent recurrence
Our goal is to prevent oral cancer, so monitoring is critical. The earlier we detect and treat oral dysplasia, the lower your risk of developing cancer. UCSF Health's board-certified oral and maxillofacial pathologists, experts in diagnosing oral conditions, review all biopsies. Our review board, consisting of several specialists from different fields, meets regularly to assess complex cases.
You have access to the most advanced treatments for removing precancerous oral lesions, including laser procedures that don't require a hospital stay. Talk to your care team about participating in a clinical trial studying next-generation treatments and early detection methods. These studies enable you to receive promising new therapies before they're widely available.
Specialized oral oncology care at UCSF Health
Many cancer treatments cause complications and side effects involving the mouth, which can affect your ability to eat, drink and speak.
Our oral medicine specialists have unique training and expertise in conditions of the mouth. We focus on nonsurgical care for cancer therapy-related oral side effects, such as:
Bacterial and fungal infections
Dry mouth (xerostomia)
Inflammation (oral mucositis)
Mouth sores
Oral graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)
Oral neuropathic pain
Osteoradionecrosis of the jaw
Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw
Restricted jaw mobility (post-radiation trismus)
We work closely with medical oncologists and other cancer care providers to give you comprehensive, coordinated care. We're here to support you and your quality of life during and after cancer treatment.
Providers
Kamal Al-Eryani, DDS, PhD
Oral Medicine • Orofacial Pain
Ivan H. El-Sayed, MD
Head and Neck Surgical Oncology • Skull Base Surgery
Jonathan R. George, MD, MPH
Head and Neck Surgical Oncology
Patrick Ha, MD
Head and Neck Surgical Oncology
Award-winning care
Best in California and No. 7 in the nation for cancer care
Designated comprehensive cancer center
Related services
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Dry Mouth
- Leukoplakia
- Mouth Ulcer
- Oral Candidiasis
- Oral Lesions
- Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Support services
Art for Recovery
Creativity can help people with serious illnesses cope, heal and express what they're going through. Find out about our program and how to join.
Cancer Exercise Counseling
Our one-on-one exercise training sessions, customized for your needs and abilities, can complement other cancer treatments and speed your recovery.
Cancer Nutrition Counseling
UCSF Health offers free nutrition counseling to our patients with cancer, as well as nutrition seminars that are open to anyone. Learn more.
Cancer Support Groups
These groups offered by the Ida and Joseph Friend Patient and Family Cancer Support Center are free and available to all patients, whether or not you get your health care at UCSF.
Core & More Class for Cancer Patients
A strong body helps you fight cancer and enjoy life. Join this class to stabilize your core, strengthen your muscles and improve overall fitness. For cancer patients and caregivers!
Friend to Friend Specialty Shops
A one-stop boutique for patients with cancer. Get professional help with wigs, prostheses, sun-protective clothing, makeup, skin care and more.
Meditation & Guided Imagery for Cancer Patients
Drop in for a free class designed to help you heal, relax and find balance during your treatment. UCSF and non-UCSF patients are welcome.
Oncology Social Work
Social workers offer support, problem-solving, help accessing UCSF cancer-related resources and more. Find out how to contact the social worker for your clinic.
Patient & Family Cancer Support Center
The center offers wellness programming, community, support groups, classes, workshops and more at no cost to people facing cancer and their loved ones.
Peer Support Programs for Cancer
Patients are matched with peer support volunteers according to criteria such as diagnosis, cancer stage, age or gender. Speak to someone who's "been there."