Cancerous tumours of the mouth

A cancerous tumour of the mouth can grow into and destroy nearby tissue. It can also spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Cancerous tumours are also called malignant tumours.

Squamous cell carcinoma

The most common type of oral cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). SCC starts in the flat, thin cells (called squamous cells) that make up the oral mucosa (mucous membrane).

Rare mouth tumours

The following cancerous tumours of the mouth are rare:

Expert review and references

  • American Cancer Society. Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer. 2016.
  • Cancer Research UK. The Mouth and Oropharynx. Cancer Research UK; 2016.
  • IARC Screening Group. Squamous cell carcinoma. IARC Screening Group. International Agency for Research on Cancer; 2011. http://screening.iarc.fr/index.php.

Medical disclaimer

The information that the Canadian Cancer Society provides does not replace your relationship with your doctor. The information is for your general use, so be sure to talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your health.

We do our best to make sure that the information we provide is accurate and reliable but cannot guarantee that it is error-free or complete.

The Canadian Cancer Society is not responsible for the quality of the information or services provided by other organizations and mentioned on cancer.ca, nor do we endorse any service, product, treatment or therapy.


1-888-939-3333 | cancer.ca | © 2024 Canadian Cancer Society