Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is cancer that forms in the tissues of any part of the mouth or throat. There are many types of oral cancer, and most begin in the tongue and floor of the mouth. It may also develop on the lips, gums, inside lining of the cheeks, and roof of the mouth. Symptoms include white or red patches in the mouth, loose teeth, problems or pain with swallowing, an ear ache, a lump in the neck, bleeding in the mouth, and a mouth sore that does not heal. Men are most at risk, especially those beyond age 40, tobacco or alcohol users, and those with a history of head or neck cancer.

Why UAB

Outstanding patient care is the primary focus of the UAB Medicine Head and Neck Oncology program. As a national leader in head and neck cancer treatment, we offer a number of surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for benign and malignant tumors. A multidisciplinary team approach is emphasized, combining the skills of head and neck surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, neurosurgeons, cardiothoracic surgeons, and speech and language pathologists.

A multispecialty tumor board meets weekly to discuss treatment options for patients with new and recurrent disease. A comprehensive patient support network is in place and often functions as the first line of contact for patients during treatment and post-treatment follow-up.

Our Virtual Multidisciplinary Clinic allows patients to come from a distance and have much of their initial assessment done in one day, often avoiding multiple visits to multiple doctors.

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Welcome to the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center

Personalized cancer treatment focused on one patient at a time.

PHYSICIANS

James A. Bonner, MD

William R. Carroll, MD

Michael C. Dobelbower, MD, PhD

Benjamin Greene, MD

Brian Bishop Hughley, MD

Susan D. McCammon, MD

Ruby F. Meredith, MD, PhD

Anthony B. Morlandt, MD

Lisle M. Nabell, MD

Sharon A. Spencer, MD

Christopher D. Willey, MD, PhD

Kirk P. Withrow, MD

Eddy Yang, MD

Yedeh P. Ying, MD

RELATED SERVICES

Smoking Cessation

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for the diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer. We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information.

View Clinical Trials