Mouth cancer

Symptoms of mouth cancer can include a mouth ulcer that does not go away after 3 weeks, a red or white patch in the mouth, or a lump in the mouth.

The main tests for mouth cancer are removing and testing a sample of tissue from your mouth (biopsy), an X-ray and scans such as a CT scan.

Treatment for mouth cancer may include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted medicines and immunotherapy.

It’s not always clear why mouth cancer happens, but it can be caused by genetic changes, your lifestyle, and some medical conditions.

Symptoms of mouth cancer can affect any part of your mouth including the gums, tongue, inside the cheeks, or lips.

Symptoms can include:

• a mouth ulcer in your mouth that lasts more than 3 weeks
• a red or white patch inside your mouth
• a lump inside your mouth or on your lip
• pain inside your mouth
• difficulty swallowing
• difficulty speaking or a hoarse (croaky) voice
• a lump in your neck or throat
• losing weight without trying

Early stage mouth cancer can look like a mouth ulcer.

White patches on the tongue or inside your mouth may be early symptoms of mouth cancer.

• you have an mouth ulcer that has lasted more than 3 weeks
• you have a lump in your mouth, on your lip, on your neck or in your throat
• you have a red or white patch in your mouth
• you have pain in your mouth that's not going away
• you're having difficulty swallowing or speaking
• you have a hoarse (croaky) voice that does not go away

A dentist can also help with ulcers, lumps, patches or pain in your mouth.

It's not always clear what causes mouth cancer.

You may be more likely to get mouth cancer if:

• you smoke or chew tobacco, betel nut or paan
• you drink a lot of alcohol
• you have leukoplakia
• you’ve been exposed to a lot of sunlight or sunbeds, which can cause skin cancer affecting the lips
• you've had cancer before
• you have a weakened immune system, for example, you have HIV or AIDS, or take immunosuppressant medicine

Mouth cancer has also been linked to having changes in your genes and having some types of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in your mouth.

You cannot always prevent mouth cancer, but there are things you can do to lower your chance of getting it.

• eat a healthy diet, including 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day

• exercise regularly

• try to cut down on alcohol and avoid drinking more than 14 units a week

• try to quit smoking

• try to quit chewing tobacco, betel nut or paan

If a dentist or GP refers you to a specialist because they think you could have mouth cancer, you’ll have tests to check for cancer.

The main tests for mouth cancer are usually:

• removing a small sample of cells from the affected area of your mouth for testing (a biopsy)
• an X-ray, ultrasound scan, CT scan or MRI scan

The treatment you'll have for mouth cancer depends on:

• the size of the cancer
• where the cancer is
• if it has spread to other parts of your body
• if the cancer has certain genetic changes
• your age and general health

You may be offered a combination of treatments including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted medicines and immunotherapy.

Your specialist treatment team will:

• explain the treatments, the benefits and side effects
• work with you to make a treatment plan that’s best for you
• help you to manage the side effects of treatment

If you have any questions or worries, you can talk to your specialist team.

If you have mouth cancer, your specialist treatment team will be there to support you throughout your treatment. They will also be able to give you information about local support services you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that can offer support and information about mouth cancer.

Mouth Cancer Foundation

Information and support for anyone affected by mouth cancer

• Website: https://www.mouthcancerfoundation.org
• Helpline: 01924 950950
• Mouth Cancer Foundation: support groups

Macmillan

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

• Website: www.macmillan.org.uk
• Helpline: 0808 808 00 00
• Macmillan Cancer Support: support line service
• Macmillan Cancer Support: find local support services

Cancer Research UK

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

• Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org
• Nurse helpline: 0808 800 4040
• Cancer Research UK: ask a nurse service
• Cancer Research UK: online cancer chat forum
• Cancer Research UK: find a clinical trial service
• Cancer Research UK: support for children and their families

Marie Curie

Care and support for anyone affected by terminal illness

• Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk
• Helpline: 0800 090 2309
• Marie Curie: support services