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's one of the most common types of head and neck cancer.
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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 Welbeck, 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.
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:
The most common symptom of mouth cancer is a mouth ulcer or sores that have not healed within 3 weeks.
Other symptoms of mouth cancer include:
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.
It's not always clear what causes mouth cancer, but certain factors can increase your risk of developing it, including:
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:
While it’s not always possible to prevent mouth cancer from developing, there are things you can do to significantly lower your risk. These include:
stopping smoking and not taking up smoking
limiting your alcohol intake
eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
having the HPV vaccination
protecting your skin from UV exposure (wearing SPF on your lips and not using sun beds)
practising good oral hygiene (brush twice daily, floss regularly, and don’t skip dental check-ups)
staying physically active and fit
being vigilant (check your mouth regularly and see a specialist if you notice persistent ulcers, patches, or lumps)
Like many cancers, mouth cancer carries certain risks if it’s not detected and treated early. These can vary depending on where in the mouth the cancer develops, how advanced it is, and your general health.
Key risks include:
local spread – the cancer spreads to nearby tissues such as the gums, tongue, jawbone or throat
metastasis – the cancer spreads to other areas of the body, such as the lymph nodes in the neck
impact on function and quality of life – depending on the size and location of the tumour, mouth cancer and its treatment can affect speech, taste, eating, and appearance
recurrence – even after successful treatment, there’s a chance of the cancer coming back
mental health impact – a diagnosis of mouth cancer can be overwhelming. Feelings of anxiety, changes in appearance, or difficulty with daily activities can affect your confidence and wellbeing
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 Welbeck maxillofacial specialist.
At Welbeck, our maxillofacial specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if needed to ensure you receive the best possible treatment as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
Get in touch today to book an appointment.
Depending on where the cancer was treated, you may briefly notice changes in the clarity of your speech or how easy it is to swallow. We offer tailored support from speech and language therapists (SLTs) who can guide you through exercises and techniques to help with these challenges.
Every treatment plan is unique, so your consultant will advise as to how often you should see them for check-ups. You should always make an appointment as soon as possible if you notice any new symptoms.
Some patients notice changes to their sense of taste during or after treatment. Foods may taste weaker, stronger, or slightly different. These changes are usually temporary and can improve as your mouth heals. Our team can suggest ways to keep meals enjoyable and ensure you still get the nutrition you need.
Maintaining good nutrition throughout your journey can play a large role in your recovery and general overall health. A diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and soft, high-calorie foods (like smoothies, soups, and mashed items) can help your body heal, maintain strength, and support energy levels, especially if treatment affects your ability to chew or swallow.
We have brought together a team of leading oral and maxillofacial surgeons, ENT specialists, and dental experts to create our Oral & Facial Health team. These highly experienced clinicians are leaders in their field, dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care.