Oral cancer refers to a group of cancers that begin in different parts of the mouth.

These cancers most commonly occur on the lips, tongue, and floor of the mouth (the area under the tongue).

However, they can also start in other regions, such as the cheeks, gums, roof of the mouth (hard palate), tonsils, and even the salivary glands.

Because of their location, mouth cancers are generally classified as a type of head and neck cancer.

One common sign is a lump or swelling in the neck, loose teeth without dental explanation, or a sore or ulcer on the lip or inside the mouth that does not heal. Some individuals may experience difficulty or pain when swallowing, or notice changes in speech.

Early detection increases chances of survival