Oral cancers

Oral cancers can occur on the lips, tongue, the inner cheeks, the floor of the mouth, and the palate. They need early diagnosis and prompt treatment to ensure the best possible outcome.

Our doctors and surgeons work closely with patients who experience mouth cancer, tongue cancer and other oral cancers. We are expertly equipped in a range of surgical techniques to remove tumors while preserving your ability to speak and function normally. We work as a team, incorporating specialists in ear nose and throat surgery, medical and radiation oncology, reconstructive surgery, oral surgery and dentistry. Our goal is to create a personalized treatment plan for the stage and type of your oral cancer. We do our best to treat your mouth cancer or tongue cancer, and return you to your daily activities as quickly as possible.

Choose Duke for your oral cancer treatment because we offer:

• Nationally-ranked cancer program. We are consistently ranked among the best cancer programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. In addition, as a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, our oral cancer team is recognized for exploring new treatment opportunities through ongoing clinical trials. We offer you the latest research discoveries before they are available elsewhere.
• Access to ongoing research. You may be eligible to ongoing research through clinical trials that may help you or others with oral cancers.
• A comprehensive team. Our specialists, including otolaryngologists who are experts in head and neck surgery, medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, dentists, reconstructive surgeons and oral surgeons. Our specialists work together to ensure you receive the best possible care for your mouth cancer or tongue cancer. Specially trained nurses, occupational therapists and speech pathologists help you recover and resume your daily activities.
• Experienced radiologists. Our radiologists are specially trained to read images for tracheal cancer, and have experienced based on doing just that on a regular basis. We use MRI and CT which produce superior quality images with lower doses of radiation exposure.
• Support for you. Our comprehensive support services range from helping patients minimize the side effects of treatment to coping with the emotional and psychological effects of diagnosis and treatment. View all of our cancer support groups in our event calendar.  
• Comforting environment. Our Duke Cancer Center features spacious waiting areas, a Quiet Room, large infusion rooms, and a rooftop garden area where patients - based on their treatment regimen - can receive chemotherapy outdoors.