The exact cause is unknown. Smoking and other tobacco use are associated with most cases of oral cancer. Smoke and heat from cigarettes , cigars , and pipes, irritate the mucous membranes of the mouth. Use of chewing tobacco or snuff causes irritation from direct contact with the mucous membranes. Heavy alcohol use is another high-risk activity associated with oral cancer.
Many oral cancers begin as leukoplakia or mouth ulcers .
Men are affected twice as often as women, particularly men over 40 years old. The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. It is provided for your general information and is not a substitute for medical care or supervised medical treatment. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. There is no warranty that the information is free from errors and omissions or that it meets any particular standard.