HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Mouth cancer
Matepukupuku waha
Mouth cancer (also known as oral cancer) is when a cancer grows in part of the mouth. This can be on the roof of the mouth, the floor of the mouth (under the tongue) or inside the cheeks. It can also be on the tongue, the lips or the gums.
Symptoms of mouth cancer include:
- a swelling or sore (ulcer) in your mouth or on your lip that does not heal within a few weeks
- a white or red patch in your mouth or on your tongue
- a lump in your mouth or under your jaw
- numbness on your tongue or other areas of your mouth
- unexpected loose teeth
- pain on chewing or swallowing.
These symptoms can be caused by other conditions, but it is important to be checked by a doctor or dentist. Finding a mouth cancer early gives the best chance of being fully cured.
Causes of mouth cancer
We do not know the exact cause of mouth cancer, but some things increase your risk:
- smoking or using tobacco in other ways such as chewing
- drinking alcohol
- spending time in the sun without protection
- infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV).
Diagnosing mouth cancer
Your doctor or dentist will listen to your symptoms and examine your mouth.
If there is a possible cancer growth, they will take a sample (biopsy) to be looked at in a laboratory.
If cancer is found, you may have tests to see how far it has spread. For example, an X-ray, CT or MRI scan.
Treating mouth cancer
Your treatment will depend on the size and type of cancer, how far it has spread and your general health.
Options include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy or a combination of these.
Many mouth cancers can be completely cured, especially if they are found early.
Preventing mouth cancer
Smoking is the biggest risk factor. Being or becoming smokefree is the best way of preventing mouth cancer.
Other things you can do to reduce your risk include:
- limiting alcohol
- protecting yourself from too much sun
- getting regular checks from your dentist
- having the HPV vaccination.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Cancer Society – Mouth Cancer
Information about mouth cancer and what support is available.
- NHS – Mouth Cancer
More detailed information about mouth cancer.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Page created March 2025.
SourcesReview key: HIDRY-74891
