Mouth Cancer

What is it?

Mouth cancer is a dangerous abnormal growth that can affect any part of the mouth

What are the signs of mouth cancer?

Mouth cancer can appear as

• An often painless ulcer that fails to clear up after about 2 weeks

• A growth or swelling which has been present for more than about 2 weeks

• Sometimes a white or red patch in the mouth

Most things like this will not turn out to be cancer, but if you have these signs they must be investigated by going to your dentist immediately

​

Am I at risk from mouth cancer?

• If you use tobacco (smoked or chewed) and drink too much alcohol, you will greatly increase your risk of getting mouth cancer. If you do both together your chances of getting it are greater still

• Prolonged exposure to sunlight can increase your risk of getting lip and skin cancer

• The chances of getting mouth cancer are greater for people aged over 40 but younger people can get it too

• You are more at risk of cancer if you don’t eat a healthy diet

How can mouth cancer be detected?

Your dentist can spot mouth cancer early. If it is detected early the chances of cure are very good. At the moment around half of the 4000 people diagnosed with mouth cancer every year in the uk die of it because its discovered too late

 

What will my dentist do?

You should expect your dentist to

• Look at your face and neck

• Feel under your jaw and down your neck

• Examine the inside of your mouth with a small mirror, looking at your lips, cheek, tongue, roof of your mouth and your throat. Your dentist can see parts of your mouth that you can’t see easily or feel yourself. Your dentist may notice something in your mouth that needs to be monitored or needs to be seen by a specialist

 

What are the benefits of being regularly checked?

Regular examinations mean that your dentist can spot problems early – and these include mouth cancer

 

How can I prevent mouth cancer?

By following a healthy diet, with 5 – 7 portions of fruit and veg a day, you can help prevent cancer

Do not use tobacco and drink moderately – that is keeping your weekly intake to below 14 units for women and 21 units for men.

(One unit is roughly equal to a single measure of spirit, half a pint of beer or a small glass of wine)