What is the first treatment for mouth cancer?

Mouth cancer, also called oral cavity cancer, may affect the tongue, gums, inner cheek, floor of the mouth, or roof of the mouth. Tumour removal surgery aims to remove the visible cancer with a surrounding margin. A neck dissection removes selected lymph nodes when there is concern that cancer may have reached them or when the tumour features make hidden spread a concern. Radiotherapy may follow surgery to treat an area at higher risk of recurrence, or it may be the main local treatment when an operation is not suitable. The exact sequence depends on the tumour's position, size, depth, lymph-node findings, and your general health.

Ask the head and neck team how treatment could affect speech, swallowing, chewing, saliva, taste, and appearance. A dental review, dietitian, speech and language therapist, or reconstructive surgeon may be part of preparation. Tell the team about loose teeth, mouth pain, smoking, alcohol use, medicines, and difficulty eating. Ask whether the plan includes tumour removal alone, neck dissection, radiotherapy, or a staged combination, and how healing and rehabilitation will be supported.

Arrange prompt assessment for a mouth ulcer, patch, lump, unexplained bleeding, numb area, or persistent pain that does not settle, especially when it affects eating or speaking. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, rapidly worsening swelling, choking, or difficulty breathing. After surgery, contact the team for wound separation, increasing redness, fever, inability to drink, or a sudden change in swallowing.

Where exactly is the tumour and what stage is it? Will surgery affect speech, swallowing, or appearance? Do I need a neck dissection? When would radiotherapy be used? Who will help with dental care, nutrition, and rehabilitation?