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) that lines the inside of the mouth.
Rare mouth tumours
The following are other types of cancer that can start in the mouth but are very rare.
Salivary gland cancer starts in the cells of the salivary glands, which make and release saliva. Find out more about salivary gland cancer.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in cells (called melanocytes) that make melanin, which gives skin, hair and eyes their colour. It can start anywhere in the mouth. Find out more about melanoma.
Soft tissue sarcoma starts in the cells of the body's soft tissues. It can occur in the soft tissues of the mouth. Find out more about soft tissue sarcoma.
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