What should you know about mouth skin cancer?

The lips and outer skin around the mouth can develop skin cancers, which may appear as a sore, crust, scaly patch, changing spot or area that bleeds and does not heal. The inner lip, gums, tongue, cheek, palate and floor of the mouth are oral tissues; changes there are assessed as possible mouth disease rather than ordinary skin irritation.

A new or changing mark is not enough to identify its cause. Sun exposure, injury, infection, eczema and dental friction can produce similar appearances. A clinician may use close examination, a dermatoscope or biopsy depending on the site and appearance.

Book a medical or dental appointment for a sore, crust, lump, colour change, ulcer or bleeding area that persists or changes. Photographing the area privately can help you describe its evolution, but a photograph cannot replace examination. Mention sun exposure, smoking, vaping, dental appliances and previous skin lesions.

Treatment depends on the diagnosis, depth and location. Options may include removal of the affected tissue, reconstruction or radiotherapy. If a lesion is near the neck or has concerning findings, the team may discuss evaluation of neck lymph nodes.

Seek prompt care for rapidly enlarging swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, spreading redness with fever, worsening difficulty swallowing or breathing. Urgent help is needed for severe breathing trouble. Do not wait for pain, because some concerning lesions are painless.

Is this change on the outer skin, lip or inner mouth? Do I need a biopsy? What treatment would preserve function and appearance? Should the neck be examined? How should I protect the area while it heals?