Cancer Of The Head And Neck

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 .