Skip to Main Content

Oral Oncology

Cancer patients have unique oral health care needs and, depending on the type of cancer and its treatment, may be at risk for various complications involving the mouth. In fact, many of the latest cancer therapies are associated with oral side effects.

UCSF Oral Oncology provides expert consultations to diagnose, manage and treat these issues. Our oral medicine specialists thoroughly evaluate the jaw bone, gums and other oral tissues to address treatment side effects, such as mouth sores, infection, inflammation and pain. We also provide oral health patient education and counseling as well as follow-up care for patients at increased risk of developing oral side effects from cancer treatment later on.

If you've been diagnosed with oral cancer and are seeking cancer care, please visit UCSF's Head and Neck Surgery Cancer Clinic.

Doctor referral required

Our locations

Expand Map

    Support services

    Support Group

    Art for Recovery

    Creativity can help people with serious illnesses cope, heal and express what they're going through. Find out about our program and how to join.

    Fitness

    Cancer Exercise Counseling

    Our one-on-one exercise training sessions, customized for your needs and abilities, can complement other cancer treatments and speed your recovery.

    Patient Resource

    Cancer Nutrition Counseling

    UCSF Health offers free nutrition counseling to our patients with cancer, as well as nutrition seminars that are open to anyone. Learn more.

    Support Group

    Cancer Support Groups

    These groups offered by the Ida and Joseph Friend Patient and Family Cancer Support Center are free and available to all patients, whether or not you get your health care at UCSF.

    Fitness

    Core & More Class for Cancer Patients

    A strong body helps you fight cancer and enjoy life. Join this class to stabilize your core, strengthen your muscles and improve overall fitness. For cancer patients and caregivers!

    Patient Resource

    Friend to Friend Specialty Shops

    A one-stop boutique for patients with cancer. Get professional help with wigs, prostheses, sun-protective clothing, makeup, skin care and more.

    Class

    Meditation & Guided Imagery for Cancer Patients

    Drop in for a free class designed to help you heal, relax and find balance during your treatment. UCSF and non-UCSF patients are welcome.

    Patient Resource

    Oncology Social Work

    Social workers offer support, problem-solving, help accessing UCSF cancer-related resources and more. Find out how to contact the social worker for your clinic.

    Patient Resource

    Patient & Family Cancer Support Center

    The center offers wellness programming, community, support groups, classes, workshops and more at no cost to people facing cancer and their loved ones.

    Support Group

    Peer Support Programs for Cancer

    Patients are matched with peer support volunteers according to criteria such as diagnosis, cancer stage, age or gender. Speak to someone who's "been there."

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your condition
    • List of your medications, including dosages, plus any you're allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    International Services

    If you live outside the United States and are coming to UCSF for medical treatment, our patient liaisons can help coordinate all aspects of your visit.

    Learn more

    Interpreting Services

    UCSF offers interpreters in various languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), as well as services for deaf, hard-of-hearing and visually impaired patients.

    Learn more

    Hospital Stays

    Make your hospital stay as smooth and comfortable as possible by finding out how to prepare and what to expect.

    Learn more

    Your Doctor Visit

    See our top 10 tips for making your UCSF doctor’s appointment as stress-free and productive as possible.

    Learn more

    Related clinics

    Head and Neck Medical Oncology Program

    Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building

    1825 Fourth St., Fifth Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94158

    Head & Neck Surgery Cancer Program

    Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building

    1825 Fourth St., Fifth Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94158

    Sol Silverman Oral Medicine Clinic

    513 Parnassus Ave., Seventh Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94143

    Can't find what you're looking for?

    UCSF Help Center

    (888) 689-8273

    Share