Head and neck cancer
Mouth cancer
Mouth cancer is the most common type of head and neck cancer.
It can affect a number of areas in and around the mouth, including the:
- lips
- tongue
- inside of the cheeks
- floor or roof of the mouth
- gums
Symptoms of mouth cancer can include persistent mouth ulcers and/or a lump in your mouth, both of which may be painful.
The main areas that can be affected are the:
- oropharynx the part of the throat at the back of the mouth
- hypopharynx the part of the throat connecting the oropharynx to the gullet and windpipe
- nasopharynx the part of the throat that connects the back of the nose to the back of the mouth (see below)
The most common symptoms of cancer in the oropharynx or hypopharynx include a lump in the neck, a persistent sore throat and difficulty swallowing.
Macmillan Cancer Support has more information about oropharyngeal cancer .
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Definition
Read about the main types of cancer that affect the head and neck including mouth cancer, thyroid cancer and laryngeal cancer.
Mouth cancer
Mouth cancer is the most common type of head and neck cancer. It can affect a number of areas in and around the mouth, including the: lips tongue inside of the cheeks floor or roof of the mouth gums
Salivary gland cancer
Salivary glands produce saliva, which keeps your mouth moist and helps withswallowing and digestion. There are three main pairs of salivary glands. They are the: parotid glands located between your
Nose and sinus cancer
Nose and sinus cancer affects the nasal cavity (above the roof of your mouth) and the sinuses (the small, air-filled cavities inside the bones of the nose and within the cheekbones and forehead). The
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