What is Head & Neck Cancer?

Head and Neck cancer usually refers to cancers in the throat and mouth. It also includes some rarer types found in the middle ear, sinuses, salivary glands and nose.

Most are squamous cell cancers, which start in the cells lining the mouth, nose and throat. Doctors will refer to your type of cancer by the cells in which they develop.

FAQs about Mouth cancer

Mouth Cancer is the most common type of Head & Neck Cancer.

 

What is the difference between the mouth and oral cavity?

None. They are the same thing but "the oral cavity" is the term Doctors tend to use. The structures that form part of the mouth include:

  • lips
  • floor of the mouth
  • roof of the mouth
  • the gums
  • inner cheek
  • front part of the tongue

 

What are the symptoms of mouth cancer?

These include:

  • sore mouth ulcers that don't heal within several weeks
  • unexplained, persistent lumps in the mouth that don't go away
  • unexplained, persistent lumps in the upper neck or under the jaw bone that don't go away
  • unexplained looseness of teeth, or tooth sockets that don't heal after extractions
  • unexplained, persistent numbness or an odd feeling on the lip or tongue
  • white or red patches on the lining of the mouth or tongue (these might be cancerous or precancerous i.e. if left develop into a cancer)
  • changes in speech, such as a slurring or lisp


What should I do if I notice any of the symptoms of mouth cancer?

You need to see your GP or dentist if these symptoms don't heal within three weeks, particularly if you have any risk factors (see 'Who gets mouth cancer?')

Who gets mouth cancer?

The two main risk factors in the UK (which are much higher if you do both) are:

  • smoking
  • alcohol

Other risk factors are:

  • chewing tobacco of any sort 
  • chewing betel nuts especially with tobacco
  • having a poor diet 
  • exposure to Human papilloma virus (HPV) - by having sexual contact with a person who's already infected
  • having bad teeth and unhealthy gums and mouth

How can I help reduce my chances of getting mouth cancer?

  • if you smoke you need to quit (advice for giving up smoking)
  • if you drink alcohol heavily or frequently you need to quit (advice for giving up alcohol)
  • Take care of your teeth and gums NHS Choices: Take care of your teeth and gums