Each year in the United States, about 29,000 people learn they have cancer* of the oral cavity (the mouth and lips) or the oropharynx (the part of the throat at the back of the mouth).

This National Cancer Institute (NCI) booklet (NIH Publication No. 03-1574) has important information to help people with oral cancer and their family and friends better understand this disease. It discusses possible causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease. It also has information about rehabilitation and about sources of support to help patients cope with oral cancer.

Scientists are studying oral cancer to learn more about this disease, and doctors are exploring new ways to treat it. This research keeps increasing our knowledge about oral cancer. The NCI provides the most up-to-date information by telephone and on the Internet:

• Telephone (1-800-4-CANCER): Information Specialists at NCI's Cancer Information Service can answer questions about cancer and can send materials published by NCI.
• Internet (http://www.cancer.gov): Cancer.gov is NCI's Web site. It has a wide range of information that is updated regularly. People can ask questions online and get immediate help through LiveHelp ¹. Many NCI booklets and fact sheets can be viewed at http://www.cancer.gov/publications ². People in the United States and its territories may use this Web site to order publications. This Web site also explains how people outside the United States can mail or fax their requests for NCI publications.

*Words that may be new to readers appear in italics. The "Dictionary ³" section explains these terms. Some words in the "Dictionary" have a "sounds-like" spelling to show how to pronounce them.

Glossary Terms

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.