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Expert Ear, Nose and Throat Care at Grande Ronde Hospital

At our Otolaryngology (ENT)–Head and Neck Surgery Clinic, we understand that the health of your ears, nose and throat plays a crucial role in your overall well-being. Our dedicated team is here to help you feel better and improve your quality of life through expert, compassionate care.

Our otolaryngologists believe in treating the whole patient, not just the symptoms. They’ll take the time to work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs.

Comprehensive ENT Services

Our clinic offers a wide range of services designed to address the diverse needs of our patients. From pediatric ENT care to advanced surgical procedures, we use state-of-the-art equipment and technology to ensure that you receive the best possible treatment. Our team is highly trained in both medical and surgical care, allowing us to support you in any ENT-related situation.

Our ENT services include:

  • General ear, nose and throat care for problems like sinus problems or ear infections
  • Pediatric ENT services
  • Sinonasal and ear surgery
  • Thyroid and parathyroid surgery
  • Head and neck oncology, including skin cancer reconstructive surgery
  • Allergy testing and immunotherapy, including traditional allergy shots and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)
  • Hearing care, featuring a state-of-the-art sound booth to meet all of your hearing needs, from testing to treatment
What can you do to reduce your chances of getting oral cancer?

Reviewed 11/4/2025

Oral cancer: True or false?

Oral cancers, or cancers of the mouth and throat, affect about 58,000 Americans each year. You might already know that quitting tobacco use is the most powerful way to reduce your risk. But there are other important things to learn about oral cancer protection. Take this short quiz to learn about other common risk factors—and how to spot the possible warning signs.

True or false: Men and women are at equal risk for oral cancer.

False. Oral cancer is roughly twice as common in men as in women. It can affect both younger and older adults. But the risk for everyone increases with age: Most of the time, oral cancer occurs in people over age 40.

True or false: The HPV shot can help prevent oral cancer.

True. Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, raises the risk for some types of oral cancers. Getting the HPV shot can help you avoid HPV infection, which could lower oral cancer risk.

True or false: Alcohol use does not affect your oral cancer risk.

False. Alcohol use is an important risk factor for oral cancer. In fact, the risk of oral cancers is two to six times higher in those who consume two or more drinks per day compared to those who don't drink at all. 

True or false: Twice-yearly dental exams play an important role in oral cancer prevention.

True. Your dentist or hygienist can perform an oral cancer screening as a part of your regular dental exam. During the screening, he or she will check your face, mouth, lips and neck for possible cancer signs. The screenings are quick and painless—but they can detect oral cancer early, so you can get treated sooner.

True or false: A mouth sore that bleeds easily and doesn't heal is the most common sign of oral cancer.

True. Mouth sores are common signs of oral cancer. Other possible symptoms include:

  • Mouth pain.
  • A lump in the cheek.
  • A white or red patch in your mouth.
  • A sore throat or a feeling that something is caught in your throat.
  • Trouble chewing, swallowing or moving your tongue.

If any of these last for more than two weeks, talk to your doctor.

It's important to know the warning signs of oral cancer. You can learn more in the oral cancer topic center.

Visit the topic center

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