| Cancer
of the Mouth and Throat |
Overview
The oral cavity (mouth) and the upper part
of the throat (pharynx) have roles in many important functions, including breathing,
talking, chewing, and swallowing. The mouth and upper throat are sometimes referred
to as the oropharynx. The important structures of the mouth and upper throat include
the following:
*) Lips
*) Inside lining of the cheeks (buccal mucosa)
*) Teeth
*) Gums
*) Tongue
*) Floor of the mouth
*) Back of the
throat, including the tonsils (oropharynx)
*) Roof of the mouth (the bony
front part [hard palate] and the softer rear part [soft palate])
*) Area behind
the wisdom teeth
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