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Why choose Geisinger for oral cancer care?

Whether you need minimally invasive surgery, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, you’ll find treatment options at convenient locations right here in Pennsylvania.

From your first consultation through recovery and into survivorship, trust our team to handle all the details. 

Your care team will work with you to determine the right treatment for your unique needs. For example, your treatment may involve our MyCode® Community Health Initiative, which identifies inherited risks. This tells us whether proactive screening and specialized guidance could help you manage your health and healthcare decisions.  

Advanced diagnostics and genetic knowledge allow your surgeons and oncologists to develop a personalized treatment plan — often during a single visit.

Treatments and services we offer

Related specialties

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Clinical trials and cancer research

Access to the latest options can make a difference. Learn about the National Cancer Institute-sponsored trials we offer.

Explore clinical trials

FAQs

What are common symptoms of oral cancer?

Oral cancer symptoms can be similar to other mouth conditions. When symptoms appear, they can include:

  • A sore or growth in the mouth that doesn’t go away
  • A lump or thickening in the cheek
  • White or red patches on the gums, tongue or lining of the mouth
  • Persistent mouth pain
  • A feeling that something is caught in the throat
  • Trouble swallowing or chewing
  • Numbness of the tongue or other areas of the mouth
  • Jaw swelling 
  • Loose teeth or poorly fitting dentures
  • Pain in the ear or jaw
  • Changes in speech
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Persistent bad breath

Having these symptoms doesn’t always mean cancer, but be sure to talk with your doctor to rule out other causes.

How is oral cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically starts with a physical exam of your mouth, head and neck. Your doctor may use imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans or MRIs, to look for tumors or signs cancer has spread. You may have a biopsy, which involves removing a small sample of tissue for testing. Your doctor may also order an endoscopy — a test that involves using a camera to see into deeper areas of your mouth and throat — to get a closer look.

What are the risk factors for oral cancer?

Risk factors for oral cancer can include:

  • Tobacco use, including smoking and using smokeless tobacco
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Prolonged sun exposure to the lips
  • Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV)

Oral cancer care at Geisinger

Our oral cancer specialists offer the care you need — right in your neighborhood. When you come to Geisinger for cancer care, you’ll have access to: 

  • Multidisciplinary expertise: Surgeons and oncologists who build treatment plans just for you.
  • Regional leadership and support: From nurse navigators to nutrition counseling and financial coordination, we provide the resources you need.
  • Leading-edge clinical trials: Participating in a trial may help even if standard approaches haven’t worked.
  • Genetic innovation: Programs like MyCode® help detect hidden cancer risk. Sign up for MyCode.
  • Lifelong survivorship: Our support continues after treatment to support your health during recovery.