Mouth Cancer

Mouth cancer can affect the lips, parts of the tongue, the roof and floor of the mouth, the gums and the inside of the cheeks. It is one of the most common types of head and neck cancer.

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What is mouth cancer?

Mouth cancer, also called oral cancer, is one of the most common types of head and neck cancer.

Anyone can get it, but the risk increases with age. The severity of the condition depends on the type of mouth cancer you have, how big it is, if it has spread to other areas of your body (metastasised) and your general health.

At OneWelbeck, our maxillofacial specialists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of mouth cancer and work closely with consultant oncologists to ensure our patients receive world-class care.

What are the symptoms of mouth cancer?

The most common places for mouth cancer to develop are on the side of your tongue and the floor of your mouth, although it can affect any part of your mouth, including the:

  • Lips
  • Tongue
  • Inside of the cheeks
  • Gums and the area behind the wisdom teeth
  • Palate (roof of the mouth)
  • Floor of the mouth (under the tongue)

The most common symptom of mouth cancer is a mouth ulcer or sores that have not healed within three weeks.

Other symptoms of mouth cancer include:

  • A red, white or grey patch inside your mouth
  • A lump or thickening in your mouth or on your lip
  • Trouble or pain with chewing or swallowing
  • Difficulty speaking or hoarseness
  • Pain, bleeding or numbness in your mouth
  • Bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • Dentures becoming loose
  • A lump in your neck or throat
  • Losing weight without trying

While these symptoms can be caused by conditions other than mouth cancer, we recommend making an appointment to see one of our maxillofacial specialists for a consultation as soon as you can.

What causes mouth cancer?

It's not always clear what causes mouth cancer, but certain factors can increase your risk of developing it, including:

  • Smoking
  • Chewing tobacco, dip, snuff or water pipes
  • Regularly drinking alcohol to excess
  • Having an unhealthy diet
  • Spending a lot of time in the sun without wearing sunblock on your lips
  • Having human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Having had cancer before
  • A family history of oral cancer
  • Having a weakened immune system

How is mouth cancer diagnosed?

Our maxillofacial specialists can diagnose mouth cancer by doing a visual examination of your mouth, taking a medical history and performing diagnostic tests.

These tests may include:

  • A biopsy

  • X-ray, ultrasound, CT, PET-CT or MRI scans

  • Nasoendoscopy (a test that looks at the inside of your nose, mouth and throat)

How is mouth cancer treated?

The main treatment options for mouth cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapies. When it comes to cancer, everyone’s treatment plan is different. Depending on the severity and type of mouth cancer, you may need one or a combination of these.

Your consultant will develop a personalised treatment plan based on your test results and general health and will explain the next steps to you at an appointment. During the appointment, your consultant will explain what your treatment plan involves and any side effects, and will also answer any questions you have.

If you have any symptoms of mouth cancer, get in touch today to book an appointment with a OneWelbeck maxillofacial specialist.