Cancer can strike any part of the mouth, including the lips and tongue.
If the cancer is not detected early, tumors can grow deep into local tissues and spread to lymph glands in the neck. The risk for oral cancer increases with age and alcohol and tobacco use. By having regular visits, your dentist can detect oral cancer at a stage when it can be more successfully treated. You can help, too. When brushing and flossing, check for red or white patches in your mouth.