Maxillofacial oncology
Tumours of the Tongue and Mouth
Assessment and surgical treatment of lumps and non-healing changes on the tongue, floor of the mouth, gums and cheeks.
Overview
Also known as: non-healing ulcer on the tongue, white patch in the mouth, red patch in the mouth, tongue cancer, mouth cancer
Tumours can develop on the tongue, floor of the mouth, gums, cheeks, palate and lips. They may be benign or malignant. The type of change can only be established through investigation — usually a biopsy and histological examination.
Many changes in the mouth are harmless and settle on their own. However, a sore or ulcer that does not heal, and white or red patches on the lining of the mouth that do not go away, should not be ignored. An early assessment gives more options when treatment is planned.
When the disease is malignant, treatment is discussed and planned by a multidisciplinary team. When needed, tumour removal is combined with reconstruction to preserve speech, swallowing and eating as far as possible.
When to seek a consultation
- A sore or ulcer on the tongue or in the mouth that does not heal.
- A white or red patch on the lining of the mouth that does not go away.
- A lump or thickening on the tongue, floor of the mouth or cheek.
- Pain, bleeding or numbness in the mouth without a clear cause.
- Difficulty moving the tongue, swallowing or speaking.
What treatment may involve
- An examination of the mouth and neck.
- A biopsy — taking a small amount of tissue for histological examination.
- Imaging where needed, to clarify the extent of the change.
- Surgical removal of the tumour and, when needed, reconstruction of the affected area.
- For malignant disease, planning by a multidisciplinary team, which may include other types of treatment.
What to bring to the consultation
- An identity document and, where applicable, a referral from your GP or specialist.
- Existing medical records: discharge summaries, outpatient notes and test results.
- Imaging studies (X-rays, CT, MRI) on a disc or other digital medium, together with the written reports.
- A list of your current medicines, known allergies and chronic conditions.
- Histology reports and oncology board opinions, if available.
Recovery and follow-up
Recovery depends greatly on the extent of surgery — from a minor procedure to more extensive treatment with reconstruction. In the first days eating and speaking may be difficult; advice on diet and mouth care is given individually.
After more extensive operations, support from other specialists, for example for speech and swallowing, may be needed. Regular follow-up is an important part of care.
Risks and alternatives
Specific risks depend on the location and extent of surgery and may include bleeding, infection, swelling, altered sensation or taste, and difficulty with speech, swallowing or tongue movement. Extensive operations may require a hospital stay and a staged recovery.
Alternatives and additional treatments are discussed after investigations and, for malignant disease, by the multidisciplinary team. Delaying the assessment of a non-healing change may limit the treatment options.
Every surgical procedure carries general risks — for example those related to anaesthesia, bleeding, infection, delayed healing or scarring. The specific risks depend on your health, and on the type and extent of the procedure.
Possible alternatives — including observation, non-surgical treatment or referral to another specialist — are discussed openly during the consultation.
Outcomes and recovery time vary between individuals and cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Frequently asked questions
When is a sore on the tongue a cause for concern?
Most mouth sores heal on their own within a short time. If a sore or patch does not go away, grows or bleeds, seek an assessment without delay.
What is a biopsy and does it hurt?
A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue for analysis. It is usually done under local anaesthesia; how it feels afterwards varies and is usually short-lived.
Is a white patch in the mouth cancer?
White patches in the mouth have various causes, and many are not malignant. A patch that does not go away should be examined — only investigation can show what it is.
This information does not replace a medical examination. Whether treatment is suitable for you is assessed individually after a consultation.