Mouth cancer, also called oral cancer, is an abnormal growth on any part of the mouth. This can include the tongue, inside of the cheeks, top of the mouth, below the tongue, on the gums, or on the lips.
Many of the symptoms of mouth cancer are symptoms for other medical conditions as well. If any of these symptoms last longer than two weeks, it is best to speak to a doctor or dentist to decide on the next steps.
As with all types of cancer, the exact cause of mouth cancer is not known. It is known that the following are risk factors:
The doctor or dentist will start by doing a careful history and physical examination. They may also request some of the following tests:
Once mouth cancer is diagnosed, it is important to see whether it has spread elsewhere in the body. The doctor may request a procedure called an endoscopy, where they put a camera attached to a tube down the throat to check there is no cancer there. The doctor may also request scans (imaging) to look at other areas of the body.
The type of treatment available for mouth cancer depends on where the cancer is located and whether it has spread to other areas of the body. Treatment options can be broadly categorised as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Treatment is determined on a case-by-case basis. Only one of these or a combination of them may be required.
Surgery cuts away the cancer cells and any other infected areas. The type of surgery depends on the location of the tumour, the size of the tumour, and whether it has spread. Depending on the type of surgery, the doctor may perform another operation afterwards to reconstruct the mouth and face.
Radiation therapy uses invisible rays like x-rays to target the tumour.
Chemotherapy uses medication to kill the cancer cells.
Depending on the size of the cancer and the treatment involved, possible complications include:
The most effective prevention for mouth cancer stopping smoking or not starting smoking and drinking alcohol in moderation. It is also important to see the dentist for regular check-ups.