Oral Cavity (Mouth) Cancer

We create a personalized treatment plan for your specific stage and type of oral cancer. Our oral cancer specialists are expertly trained in a range of surgical techniques to remove tumors and perform complex reconstructions if required. This helps preserve the ability to speak and swallow, which can be affected by cancers in the oral cavity. Our goal is to treat your cancer and return you to your daily activities as quickly as possible.

Because oral cancer can cause problems with speaking, breathing, and swallowing, we partner with speech, physical, and occupational therapists to improve those functions.

Often, reconstructive surgery takes place at the same time as your original surgery to remove a tumor. We can partner with dentists, prosthodontists, and oral surgeons to recommend dental prostheses, implants, or grafts to rebuild areas in your mouth.

The Duke Cancer Institute
The Duke Cancer Institute brings together the extensive resources of Duke University, Duke Health, and the Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center. We are committed to making innovative discoveries, developing new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer, and delivering those therapies in a patient- and family-centric way.

Nationally-Ranked Cancer Program
As a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we are recognized for exploring new treatment opportunities through ongoing clinical trials. You may be eligible to receive experimental treatments before they are available elsewhere.

A Comprehensive Team
Our team of specialists includes otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors and experts in head and neck surgery), surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and dentists and oral medicine specialists (who are trained to manage issues related to cancer and cancer treatments that can contribute to tooth decay, bone deterioration, jaw stiffness, pain, and other problems).

We work together to ensure you receive the best possible care. Specially trained nurses and therapists help you maintain or regain your ability to talk, eat, swallow, and perform other daily functions. Social workers, psychologists, and palliative care experts help you cope with the emotional and psychological effects associated with cancer. Physical therapists and cancer nutritionists help you maintain your strength and stamina through exercise and good eating habits.

Experienced Radiologists
Our radiologists are specially trained and regularly read images for oral cancer. We use MRI as well as CT scans, which produce superior-quality images with lower doses of radiation exposure.

Support for You
Our comprehensive support services help you minimize the side effects of treatment and cope with the emotional and psychological effects of diagnosis and care. View our cancer support groups in our event calendar.