All malignant tumors can be classified according to the type of cell in which cancer has started. There are 5 types of cancer that can develop in the oral cavity:

• Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of oral cancer, with an incidence of 90% of cases. Squamous cells can form in any part of the body but are more common in the skin and mucous membranes.
• Adenocarcinoma develops within the salivary glands.
• Sarcoma: This type of cancer is formed from cells inside the bones, muscles or joints.
• Melanoma: cancer begins in melanocytes, cells that produce skin pigment. In the case of malignant disease, they will appear swollen and darker, sometimes bleeding.
• Lymphoma: It starts in the cells of the lymph nodes, but sometimes it can also appear in the mouth.