What is mouth cancer?

Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, develops when abnormal cells grow inside your mouth. It’s a type of head and neck cancer.

Mouth cancer usually begins in your lips, tongue or the floor of your mouth. It can also affect the roof of your mouth, tonsils, gums, cheeks and salivary glands.

Many people with mouth cancer do not experience significant symptoms. This means that it is more likely to be discovered at a more advanced stage. This makes it harder to treat successfully.

Types of mouth cancer

Most mouth cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which grow from the squamous (flat) cells in your skin.

Rarer forms of mouth cancer include:

• salivary gland cancer (usually an adenoma — a cancer that starts in a gland)
• tumours that grow in other glands of your mouth
• lymphoma, which starts in the lymph glands near your tongue and tonsils
• melanoma, a type of skin cancer

What are the symptoms of mouth cancer?

Mouth cancer can present with a variety of symptoms. These may include:

• a lump or red or white patch in your mouth
• a mouth ulcer (sore) or blood blister in the mouth that won’t heal
• problems chewing, swallowing or moving your jaw
• changes to your speech
• swelling of your jaw that cause your dentures to stop fitting properly
• a feeling that something is caught in your throat

These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. It is important to see your dentist or GP if you notice any symptoms.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What causes mouth cancer?

The two main causes of mouth cancer are smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes or using ‘smokeless’ tobacco and drinking alcohol.

Other factors that can increase your risk include:

• drinking alcohol and smoking at the same time
• sun exposure (especially to the lips)
• poor diet
• poor oral hygiene or gum disease
• a family history of mouth cancer
• chewing betel nut (the seed of the areca palm tree)

Certain viruses also increase your risk of mouth cancer, such as:

• human papillomavirus (HPV), which can be caught through oral sex
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which causes glandular fever

When should I see my doctor or dentist?

You should see your doctor or dentist if you notice symptoms of mouth cancer. These include white or red coloured patches, ulcers or lumps that don’t heal.

Regular dental check-ups are important, especially if you’re at risk for mouth cancer. Your dentist is likely to be the first person to notice signs of mouth cancer.

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How is mouth cancer diagnosed?

Your dentist may notice signs of mouth cancer during a routine check-up. If your dentist thinks you might have mouth cancer, they will refer you to your GP for tests.

Tests may include:

• biopsy — where a small sample of tissue is removed to check for cancer cells
• imaging scans — such as an x-ray, PET scan, CT or MRI scan
• endoscopy — using a thin tube to check inside your mouth and throat for abnormalities

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

How is mouth cancer treated?

Treatment will depend on the type and stage of cancer, how far it has spread and your age and overall health.

Treatment may involve:

• surgery — if your cancer is detected at an early stage, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the tumour. The type of surgery recommended will depend on where your cancer is and its size. Your surgeon may also recommend removing lymph nodes and some surrounding tissue to reduce the chance of the cancer coming back.
• radiotherapy or chemotherapy — often used if your cancer is small. Your doctor may recommend treatment with radiotherapy only, or radiotherapy together with chemotherapy.
• palliative care — not all mouth cancers can be cured. If your cancer is advanced, palliative care may be offered to help relieve symptoms.

If your cancer causes problems with breathing or swallowing, your doctor may suggest a tube to help you breathe (tracheostomy). They may also suggest a feeding tube if it is hard for you to eat.

Living with mouth cancer

After treatment, you’ll still need regular check-ups and tests with your doctors. Mouth cancer can come back, so it is important that you see your doctor regularly.

After being treated for cancer, it is common to feel anxious that your cancer will return. It is also common for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer to impact your relationships. If you are struggling, seek support from your doctor, a therapist or other people who have been through cancer.

What are the complications of mouth cancer?

Mouth cancer can cause various complications, both from the disease itself and its treatments. Early detection is important to prevent the spread of cancer.

Metastasis

As with many other cancers, mouth cancer can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious complications. The earlier mouth cancer is identified, the lower the chance of spread (metastasis).

Complications of treatment

As your mouth has many functions, mouth cancer and its treatment can cause side effects, including:

• changes to taste, smell and appetite
• changes to your speech
• breathing changes
• swallowing problems
• malnutrition and weight loss

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy can also cause side effects including:

• fatigue
• decreased immunity
• pain, numbness or stiffness
• changes in sexual function

Your healthcare team can help you manage many of these side effects. If you are struggling, see your doctor.

Can mouth cancer be prevented?

There are things you can do to reduce your risk of mouth cancer:

• Avoid smoking.
• Reduce your alcohol intake.
• Protect your lips from the sun.
• Maintain good oral hygiene.
• See your dentist regularly (at least once a year), even if you have dentures.

Resources and support

• Head and Neck Cancer Australia offers support and information for people affected by mouth cancer and their families.
• Cancer Council Australia provides services and support to people affected by cancer and their families. Call 13 11 20.
• Cancer Australia has more information on living with cancer.
• You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Other languages

Head and Neck Cancer Australia provides information on mouth cancer in several languages.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders

• Our Mob and Cancer offers support and information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people living with cancer.
• Find out more about oral health among Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people at Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet.
• You can also call 13YARN (13 92 76) for support.