The majority of oral malignancies are squamous cell carcinomas. These tumors have a propensity to spread fast. The majority of incidences of oral cancer are connected to smoking and other tobacco use. Heavy alcohol use also raises the risk of mouth cancer. However many people who do not use tobacco or alcohol will still develop oral cancers. This suggests that there may be other factors involved in the development of these diseases. Mouth cancers can arise in the skin around the face known as the mucosa. The two main types of mucosal cancers are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcionma. These cancers usually appear on the surface of the tongue, floor of the mouth, cheek lining, or lip. They may also occur below the level of the skin on the inside of the mouth or throat. Mouth cancers are serious conditions that need to be treated by a physician. Early detection is important for successful treatment. Regular checkups with a dentist are recommended for anyone who uses tobacco products or alcohol. Those at high risk for developing oral cancers should consult with their dentists regularly for screening tests. The majority of cases of oral cancer are diagnosed after the disease has progressed beyond treatable stages. Treatment options depend on how far advanced the cancer is when it is detected. For early stage cancers, surgery is usually all that is needed.