Most lip and oral cavity cancers occur in squamous cells. These cells are thin, flat cells that line the lips and oral cavity. These cancers are called squamous cell carcinomas. They can grow in the mouth, the jaw, the front of the tongue and the lips. Your doctor may notice white patches on your gums, or inside your cheeks, the bottom of your mouth and, sometimes, your tongue. These are called leukoplakia.
You are at higher risk for lip and mouth cancer if you use tobacco or drink heavily.
Why Choose Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center?
Sylvester is an NCI-designated cancer center. The National Cancer Institute has recognized Sylvester for its outstanding work conducting research in its laboratories, treating patients in its clinics and hospitals, and reaching out to medically underserved communities with innovative prevention strategies.
The Department of Otolaryngology ranks No. 9 in the nation according to U.S. News & World Report. The team has one of the largest academic head-neck cancer groups in the country at South Florida’s only NCI-designated cancer center, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. Surgeons lead a well-established multidisciplinary oncology team, incorporating innovative techniques such as oral cancer screening, robotic technology, microvascular reconstruction, sentinel node identification, and a specialized postoperative care unit for these complex procedures.
More board-certified head and neck surgical specialists than any other South Florida provider. We have experts who work together to treat every aspect of your head and neck care. In the majority of cases requiring reconstruction, you have just one operation for cancer removal and any reconstructive surgery. Sylvester is one of the best places in the country for simultaneous head and neck cancer surgery and microvascular reconstruction.
Clinical trials that focus on robotic surgery, chemotherapy, reducing radiation toxicity and immunotherapy are often available for head and neck cancer patients. You can get new treatments that aren’t available elsewhere. Your access to trials that match your specific cancer gives you the best chance for the best treatment outcomes.
Advanced radiation oncology tools. Sylvester is one of only five medical centers in the country with ViewRay — MRI-guided radiation therapy. And, our RapidArc® radiotherapy system delivers intensity modulated external radiation therapy (IMRT). This leads to more efficient and effective treatments, shorter treatment times, pinpoint accuracy in tumor targeting, and less damage to surrounding healthy tissue.