What is mouth cancer?

Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, is when abnormal cells grow inside your mouth. These abnormal cells can form a lump, known as a tumour.

Mouth cancer usually begins in your:

• lips
• tongue
• tonsils
• gums
• cheeks
• salivary glands

Mouth cancer can also begin in the floor or the roof of your mouth.

It's important to diagnose and treat mouth cancer early, to help prevent it spreading to other parts of your body. Report any changes in your mouth to your dentist or doctor.

Types of mouth cancer

Most mouth cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. A squamous cell carcinoma develops in the squamous (flat) cells that cover your mouth, nose and throat.

Adenocarcinoma is a less common type of mouth cancer. Adenocarcinoma begins in your glandular cells (cells that produce saliva or mucus) and may occur in your mouth or salivary glands.

What are the symptoms of mouth cancer?

Symptoms of mouth cancer include:

• red or white patches inside your mouth
• a lump in your mouth or neck
• a mouth ulcer (sore) that doesn't heal
• pain when chewing or swallowing
• changes to your speech
• a feeling that something is caught in your throat
• bleeding or numbness in your mouth

These symptoms can be caused by other conditions so having these symptoms doesn't always mean you have mouth cancer.

What causes mouth cancer?

The cause of mouth cancer is not known. There are things that can increase your risk of having mouth cancer, such as:

• drinking too much alcohol
• smoking and vaping
• too much sun exposure (especially to your lips)
• not having a balanced diet
• not keeping your teeth and gums healthy
• having gum disease
• having a family history of mouth cancer

Some 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:

• have any symptoms of mouth cancer
• notice any changes in your mouth
• are unsure whether something in your mouth is normal

It's important to have regular dental check-ups. Your dentist is likely to be the first person to notice signs of mouth cancer.

How is mouth cancer diagnosed?

Your doctor can diagnose mouth cancer. Your doctor will examine you and ask about your symptoms.

They may refer you for further tests, such as:

• biopsy — a small sample of tissue is removed from your mouth to check for cancer cells
• imaging — such as a PET scan, CT scan or MRI scan
• endoscopy — a thin tube with a camera on one end is used to check inside your mouth and throat for abnormalities (differences)

You will usually get the results from these tests within 2 weeks.

If your dentist thinks you might have mouth cancer, they will refer you to your doctor.

How is mouth cancer treated?

Treatment for mouth cancer depends on:

• the type of cancer
• what stage the cancer is (how much the cancer has grown and if it has spread)
• your age
• your overall health

Treatment may include

• surgery — if your cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, surgery can remove the tumour. Your surgeon may also recommend removing some tissue around the tumour to lower the chance of the cancer returning.
• radiotherapy — this uses radiation to destroy the cancer cells, and is often used if your cancer is small. Your doctor may also recommend radiotherapy after surgery, to help remove any remaining cancer cells.
• chemotherapy — this uses medicines to destroy the cancer cells. It can be used as the main treatment or before surgery to shrink your tumour.
• palliative care — not all mouth cancers can be cured. If your cancer can't be cured you may be offered palliative care to help with your symptoms.

If your cancer makes breathing difficult your doctor may suggest a tracheostomy (a tube to help you breath). Your doctor may also suggest a feeding tube if it's hard for you to eat or swallow.

Living with mouth cancer

After your treatment is finished you will need regular check-ups with your doctor. Mouth cancer can come back, so it's important that you see your doctor regularly to help detect any changes early.

After being treated for cancer, it's common to feel anxious that your cancer will return. It's also common for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer to impact your relationships. If you are struggling, you can seek support from:

• your doctor
• a therapist
• other people who have been through cancer

What are the complications of mouth cancer?

Mouth cancer can cause various complications.

Metastasis

Mouth cancer can metastasise (spread to other parts of your body) and cause complications. The earlier mouth cancer is diagnosed, the lower your chance of metastasis.

Complications of treatment

Treatment for mouth cancer can cause side effects, including:

• changes to your sense of taste and smell
• changes to your speech
• breathing problems
• swallowing problems
• malnutrition and weight loss
• fatigue
• ongoing numbness

To help you manage many of these side effects, you can talk to:

• your doctor
• a dietitian
• a speech pathologist

Can mouth cancer be prevented?

Mouth cancer can't be prevented. There are things you can do to reduce your risk of having mouth cancer, such as:

• avoid smoking
• reduce your alcohol intake
• protect your lips from the sun
• maintain good oral hygiene
• see your dentist at least once a year, even if you have dentures

Resources and support

• Cancer Council provides services and support to people affected by cancer and their families. Call 13 11 20.
• For more information on living with cancer visit Cancer Australia.
• Head and Neck Cancer Australia provides information on mouth cancer in languages other than English.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

• 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 call 13YARN (13 92 76) for support.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.