Mouth tumour - Squamous cell carcinoma

Mouth cancer is considered to be any cancer that appears between the lips in front, and on the back of the tongue and palates. The most common type is squamous cell carcinoma. 

It is directly related to alcohol consumption and smoking, especially when two packs a day are smoked.

It manifests as a reddish or whitish lesion on the mucosa of the floor of the mouth, on the edges or at the base of the tongue, as well as on the inside of the cheeks. It usually has a surrounding rim and feels harder than the rest of the mucosa. It may look like an ulcer or a lump growing towards the inside of the mouth. In more advanced stages it may be accompanied by pain in the mouth and difficulty in swallowing food.

In up to 30% of cases the lesion may appear on the lower lip, in which case it is related to prolonged exposure to the sun.  

Diagnosis is usually made by direct observation of the lesion at the dentist's office. To confirm the diagnosis, a biopsy or brushing of the lesion will be performed. Sometimes laryngoscopy and/or oesophagoscopy will be performed in addition to other imaging tests, such as chest X-rays or CT-scans, to complete the extension study.

Treatment is surgical, completed with chemotherapy or postoperative radiotherapy depending on the case.

Survival varies depending on whether the cancer remains confined to the mouth or has spread. Survival of localised tongue or floor of the mouth cancer is over 75% at 5 years, but if there is metastasis of the tumours, survival drops to half.