What is mouth cancer?
Mouth cancer, sometimes referred to as oral cancer, occurs when cells within the tissues of the mouth begin to grow in an uncontrolled way. Over time, these abnormal cells can form a tumour and may spread if not treated.
Cancers can occur in any part of the mouth, tongue, lips, and adjacent areas like the throat, salivary glands, pharynx, larynx, sinus, and other sites in the head and neck area. Because the mouth is such an active and visible part of the body, changes are often noticeable, making awareness and early checks so important.
When detected early, outcomes are significantly improved, which is why routine dental visits and self-examination play such a vital role.
How common is mouth cancer?
The incident of mouth (oral) cancer in the UK is on the increase. Around 60,000 people in the UK will be diagnosed with mouth cancer over the next decade. In the UK, over 7,700 people were diagnosed with Mouth Cancer in 2011.
Tobacco use is still considered the main cause of mouth cancer. According to the World Health Organisation, up to half of current smokers will die of a tobacco-related illness – including mouth cancer. Drinking to excess can also increase the risk of mouth cancer by 4 times with those who smoke and drink are up to 30 times more likely to develop mouth cancer.
What are mouth cancer symptoms?
Mouth cancer does not always cause pain in its early stages, so it is important to look for visual and physical changes. Signs of cancer in the mouth may include:
- A mouth ulcer that does not heal within 3 weeks
- Red or white patches inside the mouth
- A lump, swelling or thickened area in the cheek, tongue, lips or neck
- Persistent numbness or unusual sensations
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking
- A hoarse voice that does not improve
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
Many of these signs can be caused by conditions that are not serious. However, anything unusual that lasts longer than 3 weeks should always be assessed by a dental professional or GP.
What does mouth cancer look like?
Mouth cancer can appear in different ways. It may look like:
- A persistent ulcer
- A red patch, white patch or mixed red and white area
- A firm lump or raised area
- Tissue that looks thickened or feels different to the surrounding area
Often, it does not look dramatic in the early stages. Subtle changes that do not heal or resolve naturally are the ones that require attention.
What is the difference between a mouth ulcer and mouth cancer?
A common mouth ulcer is usually round or oval, often painful, and typically heals within 10 to 14 days without treatment.
Mouth cancer can sometimes resemble an ulcer, but there are key differences. A cancerous lesion often does not heal within 3 weeks, may not be painful and may feel firm or raised. If an ulcer persists beyond 3 weeks, it should always be examined professionally.
The 3 week rule is simple and important as if it hasn’t healed, have it checked!
Where is Preventive Dental based?
Preventive Dental is based in Southfields, London, United Kingdom, at 13–15 Replingham Road, Southfields, London, SW18 5LT. The practice welcomes patients from across South West London, including Wimbledon, Putney and the surrounding areas, providing comprehensive dental care with a strong focus on prevention, early diagnosis and long term oral health.
Does mouth cancer hurt?
Not always. In fact, mouth cancer is frequently painless in the early stages. This is why visual checks are so important. Pain may develop later, particularly if the tumour grows or affects surrounding tissues.
Since discomfort is not always present, absence of pain should never be taken as reassurance that everything is normal.
Is mouth cancer curable?
Mouth cancer treatment can be highly effective, dependent upon where it is, so long as early detection and treatment is undertaken.
When diagnosed early, treatment is often less invasive and success rates are significantly higher. Advanced cases may require more complex care, but modern treatments continue to improve outcomes.
For this reason, we have written a 7-point self examination guide to help you regularly check your own mouth at home. Becoming familiar with what is normal for you makes it far easier to recognise when something changes, and early recognition can make all the difference.
Free guide available for download…
“7 Point Self Examination Guide for Oral Cancer”
A special guide by Dr Morris Wensteinn
One of the most important things with mouth cancer is early detection, so in this guide we will talk about how you can examine yourself at home, the risk factors for oral cancer and how you can lower them.
Our guide is exclusively available by e-mail so get in touch for immediate access.