Mouth cancer caused by tobacco

Tobacco products can expose the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks and floor of the mouth to substances that irritate and injure cells. Cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco can all affect mouth tissues. Tobacco is a risk factor, not proof that a particular sore or lump is cancer. Mouth cancer presents with changes such as a non-healing ulcer, a red or white patch, a lump, unexplained bleeding, numbness, loose teeth or difficulty moving the jaw.

A dentist or doctor examines the mouth and may feel the neck for enlarged lymph nodes. A biopsy identifies the tissue diagnosis, while scans may help assess the local area and neck. The result guides decisions about surgery, radiotherapy and treatment of lymph nodes.

Arrange a dental or medical appointment for any mouth change that persists, returns or interferes with eating or speaking. Share all tobacco use, including smokeless products, so the clinician has a complete picture. If a biopsy confirms mouth cancer, the care team may discuss tumour removal surgery, radiotherapy or neck dissection. Stopping tobacco is useful even after diagnosis; ask for support that matches your product and routine.

Seek prompt review for a mouth ulcer, patch, lump, pain, bleeding, numb area, unexplained tooth looseness, or swallowing or speech change that does not settle. Get urgent help if mouth or neck swelling affects breathing, you cannot swallow fluids, or bleeding is difficult to control. These warning signs deserve attention whether or not tobacco is part of your history.

What could be causing this mouth change? Do I need a biopsy? Which areas of the mouth and neck should be examined? If cancer is found, what do the tissue results show? Would surgery, radiotherapy or neck dissection be considered? How can I stop using tobacco safely?