Orofacial cancer

Worried about your condition? Talk to a GP.

Rough patches, lumps or sores in your mouth, on your lips or in your throat that do not go away after several weeks could be the first stages of orofacial cancer.

You should see your GP or dentist in the first instance. You may be referred to a specialist for further tests, x-rays or scans.

Related tests and scans

CT scan (or CAT scan)

A CT scan is used to produce internal cross-sectional images of the body. The images aid the detection of disease and injury, allowing effective treatment planning.

An MRI is a type of scan that creates detailed images of the inside of your body.. Your doctor or healthcare professional has recommended an MRI scan because it is the best way to make an accurate diagnosis of your condition.

Oral (dental) imaging

Orthopantomogram (OPG)

A safe, efficient dental X-ray providing a complete view of your teeth and jaw. An Orthopantomogram (OPG) is a specialised dental X-ray that captures a single panoramic image of your entire mouth including teeth, jawbones, temporomandibular joints (TMJ) and surrounding structures.

PET-CT scan

PET-CT scan (or Position Emission Tomography Computed Tomography scan) uses X-rays and a radioactive tracer to take a detailed 3D picture inside your body. It shows areas where cells are more active than usual.

X-ray

An X-ray machine produces images of the inside of the body. It is effective in assessing bones and other dense structures within the body.

Related treatments and procedures

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of chemicals or drugs (cytotoxic agents) to disrupt or stop the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be administered in several ways, including tablets, injections or intravenously (directly into your bloodstream).

Facial surgery

Our experienced consultant surgeons perform a full range of facial surgery procedures including plastic and cosmetic surgery, oral and maxillofacial surgery and facial trauma surgery.

Maxillofacial and oral surgery

Maxillofacial and oral surgery is a specialised type of surgery for your face, jaws, and mouth. Our consultants use both medical and dental skills to treat problems with the face, mouth, and jaws, including everything from wisdom teeth removal to correcting jaw alignment and fixing facial injuries.