TriangleFOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
Source: Lip and Oral Cavity Cancer Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: May 16, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
The prognosis depends on:
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the cancer stage
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where the tumor is in the lip or oral cavity
whether the cancer has spread to blood vessels
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For patients who smoke, the chance of recovery is better if they stop smoking before beginning radiation therapy.
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Treatment options depend on:
the stage of the cancer
the size of the tumor and where it is in the lip or oral cavity
whether the patient's appearance and ability to talk and eat can stay the same
the patient's age and general health
Patients who have had lip and oral cavity cancer have an increased risk of developing a second cancer in the head or neck. Frequent and careful follow-up is important. Clinical trials are studying the use of retinoid drugs to reduce the risk of a second head and neck cancer. Information about ongoing clinical trials is available from the NCI website.
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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice