Oral cancer accommodates a broad spectrum of tumors depending on the location in the mouth and surrounding region. Correspondingly, the treatment methods for oral cancer also depend on the type and nature of cancer. Following are the types of cancer that one needs to know about.

Tongue cancer
This is the type of cancer that occurs in the oral tongue (the part you can see) or the base of the tongue (inner tongue closer to the pharynx). It is also known as oropharynx cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are recommended for the treatment of this type of cancer. The treatment methods for oral cancer also depends on the severity of the condition. Patients also need reconstructive surgery later on.

Floor of mouth cancer
This type of cancer develops in the inner mouth and is often confused with canker sores. This cancer forms in the floor of the mouth, which is the horseshoe-shaped area under the tongue. When the cells in the mouth start expanding wildly, they cause a small growth or tumor inside the mouth. Chewing tobacco and regularly drinking alcohol causes this type of cancer. The treatment methods for oral cancer in the case of this cancer are Mandibulectomy and radiation.

Lip cancer
When the squamous cells in the linings of the lips and mouth start growing out of control, this type of cancer is formed in the area. It is the most common type of oral cancer. Overuse of tobacco and alcohol as well as overexposure to the sun rays can cause this. Cancer in the lips can be treated via cosmetic surgery and radiation.

Gum cancer
Gum cancer occurs in the upper and lower gums when the unruly surge of cells causes a tumor to form. It is easily detected by doctors during a routine dental checkup. This cancer, often mistaken as gingivitis, is a result of the overuse of tobacco or alcohol. The treatment methods for oral cancer in this situation are Maxillectomy, a surgery to remove cancer from the upper gums. In the lower gums, Mandibulectomy is used to cut out cancer from the jaw areas, or neck dissection if the cancer is found in the lymph nodes. If the cancer is advanced, radiation or a combination of radiation-chemotherapy is used.

Hard palate cancer
When the cancer cells start growing in the bony region of the roof of the mouth, it is known as the hard palate cancer. In the advanced stages, cancer spreads into the nasal cavity as the hard palate works as a barricade between the cavity and the mouth. The treatment methods for oral cancer in the hard palate consist of a surgery called maxillectomy. Knowing how far and wide cancer has grown is vital. Very advanced cancer requires radiation and chemotherapy.

Inner cheek cancer
Also known as the buccal mucosa cancer, it is a type of oral cancer that occurs in the inner cheeks of a human being. This happens when the flat cells called squamous cells start growing wildly in the inner part of the mouth, forming small lesions or tumors. The treatment methods for oral cancer in the buccal mucosa area include surgery by an oral cancer surgeon, or in some cases radiation. Most of the advanced cases require radiation and chemotherapy together.

The treatment methods for oral cancer depends on the severity of the condition. Knowing the stage and type of oral cancer is also critical.