Oral Cancer Surgery in New York City

What Is Oral Cavity Cancer?

Oral cavity cancer refers to malignancies that develop inside the mouth and is the most common type of head and neck cancer. The oral cavity includes the lips, tongue, gums, floor of the mouth, inner cheeks, and hard palate.

Oral cancer may also be referred to as tongue cancer, lip cancer, gum cancer, palate cancer, floor of mouth cancer, cheek cancer, or buccal cancer, depending on the exact location.

Most oral cancers arise from the epithelial lining of the mouth. While some oral lesions are benign, persistent or suspicious changes should be evaluated by a specialist.

Types of Oral Cancer

Several cancer types can affect the oral cavity, including:

• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – the most common type
• Carcinoma in Situ – the earliest, non-invasive stage
• Salivary Gland Tumors
• Mucosal Melanoma
• Lymphoma
• Jaw and Bone Cancers

Accurate diagnosis is critical, as treatment varies based on tumor type and extent.

Causes and Risk Factors

Oral cancer is most commonly associated with:

• Tobacco use (smoking or smokeless)
• Heavy alcohol use
• Betel nut chewing
• UV exposure (lip cancer)
• Poor dental health
• HPV infection
• Genetic predisposition

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Oral cancers are often detected early due to visible or noticeable changes, including:

• Mouth sores that do not heal within 2–3 weeks
• Red or white patches, ulcers, or masses
• Persistent pain or tenderness
• Bleeding in the mouth
• Difficulty speaking, chewing, or swallowing
• Tongue stiffness or reduced mobility
• Poorly fitting dentures
• Loose teeth or non-healing extraction sites
• A lump in the neck

Persistent symptoms should be evaluated promptly by a specialist in head and neck cancer.
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How Oral Cancer Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis begins with a comprehensive exam and may include:

• Oral examination and endoscopy
• Biopsy (incisional or excisional)
• Lymph node biopsy if a neck mass is present
• Imaging studies such as CT, MRI, PET scans, ultrasound, or dental X-rays

These tests confirm the diagnosis and help determine the stage of the disease.

Oral Cancer Treatment Options

Treatment is personalized based on tumor location, stage, and patient health and is developed by a multidisciplinary cancer care team.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is the primary treatment for most oral cavity cancers. Dr. Mourad specializes in oncologic and reconstructive surgery, including:

• Complete tumor removal with clear margins
• Functional and cosmetic reconstruction when needed
• Advanced techniques to preserve speech, swallowing, and appearance

Early-stage cancers may be treated with surgery alone, while advanced cases may require additional therapy.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation may be used:

• After surgery to reduce recurrence risk
• In combination with chemotherapy for advanced disease
• Rarely as a primary treatment when surgery is not appropriate

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be used before, during, or after surgery or radiation in advanced or high-risk cases to improve disease control.

Neck Management

Because oral cancer has a higher risk of hidden (occult) neck disease:

• Cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes may require surgery or radiation
• Preventive neck treatment may be recommended even when imaging is negative
• Treatment decisions are based on tumor size and depth of invasion

What Happens If Oral Cancer Is Left Untreated?

Untreated oral cancer can progress rapidly, leading to:

• Severe difficulty speaking and swallowing
• Nutritional compromise
• Airway obstruction
• Permanent speech and facial changes
• Life-threatening complications

Early treatment significantly improves outcomes and quality of life.

Why Choose Dr. Moustafa W. Mourad?

Dr. Mourad is a board-certified Head and Neck Surgeon with advanced fellowship training in oral cancer and reconstructive surgery.

• Performs all aspects of oral cancer surgery
• Expertise in functional and aesthetic reconstruction
• Author of 40+ peer-reviewed publications and book chapters
• National and international speaker in head and neck oncology
• Affiliated with top hospitals in New York City
• Known for compassionate, patient-centered care

Dr. Mourad is dedicated to achieving complete cancer removal while preserving speech, swallowing, and appearance whenever possible.