Other chief causes include chewing tobacco, heavy alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene and irritation from ill-fitting dentures. Symptoms - Lip cancer usually starts with a whitish patch on the lower lip. The lesion can be a small ulcer or a deep, hard-edged fissure, but it may be the first sign of a malignancy in the mouth. If the tongue is affected, it becomes stiff, and chewing, swallowing and speaking become difficult. Diagnosis - Any lump, discolored patch or tissue change in the mouth that does not clear up within a month should be reported to a physician.
Diagnosis is based on a biopsy.
Treatment options - Surgical removal, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of these is the mainstay of treatment, depending on the stage of the disease. Consultations and second opinions are available. Most insurances accepted. A malignant tumor located in the passage that connects the back of the nose with the esophagus, most often develops in the mucous membranes that line the passage. Although more common in men than women, the incidence of disease rises with age.