Personalised treatments designed to fight cancer while minimising side effects.
Mouth and tongue cancers are a group of cancers that develop in the oral cavity, including the tongue, floor of gum, and inner cheek. Most are squamous cell carcinomas arising from the lining of the mouth. They often present as non-healing ulcers, lumps, or persistent red or white patches. These cancers are classified under head and neck cancers.
Mouth and tongue cancers are less common in Singapore compared with major cancers such breast, colorectal, and lung cancer. Local sources estimate around 250 new oral cancer cases per year, with tongue cancer forming a smaller proportion.
Mouth and tongue cancer symptoms commonly include non-healing ulcers or sores, red or white patches, unexplained lumps, neck swelling, persistent pain, and difficulty swallowing or moving the tongue. These symptoms, particularly those that do not heal or improve within 2–3 weeks, may also include loose teeth, persistent earaches, or numbness.
Mouth and tongue cancers are diagnosed through a combination of biopsy, and imaging tests. Early evaluation is important, especially for ulcers or patches in the mouth that do not heal within 2–3 weeks.
A doctor will examine the mouth, tongue, and neck to check for persistent ulcers, lumps, red or white patches, or swelling of nearby lymph nodes. If an abnormal area is found, further tests are arranged.
A biopsy is required to confirm mouth or tongue cancer. During this procedure, a small sample of tissue is taken from the suspicious area and examined under a microscope to determine whether cancer cells are present. This is the only way to make a definitive diagnosis.
If cancer is confirmed, imaging scans help determine the stage of the cancer and whether it has spread. These may include:
In some cases, a small flexible camera (endoscope) may be used to examine deeper areas of the throat and surrounding structures. This helps doctors assess the full extent of the cancer and plan treatment.
Mouth and tongue cancers are staged to describe the size and extent of the tumour, whether nearby lymph nodes are involved, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Doctors use the internationally recognised TNM staging system (Tumour, Node, Metastasis) to determine the stage. Staging helps guide treatment decisions and prognosis.
Abnormal cells are confined to the surface lining of the mouth or tongue and have not invaded deeper tissues.
The tumour is small (2 cm or less in greatest dimension) and has not spread to lymph nodes or distant organs.
The tumour is larger than 2 cm but not more than 4 cm, without spread to regional lymph nodes or distant sites.
The tumour may be larger than 4 cm, and/or cancer has spread to a single nearby lymph node on the same side of the neck.
Stage IV disease indicates more advanced cancer and may include one or more of the following:
Treatment for mouth and tongue cancer depends on the stage, exact tumour location, and a patient’s overall health and preferences. Care is usually planned by a multidisciplinary team experienced in head and neck cancers.
At OncoCare Singapore, our multidisciplinary team includes medical oncologists specialising in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary cancers, liver surgeons experienced in advanced and minimally invasive procedures, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, oncology nurses, dietitians, and psycho-oncology counsellors. Together, they design an individualised treatment plan for every patient.
If you have risk factors or symptoms that may suggest liver cancer, seeking early consultation with our specialists is important. Timely diagnosis offers the best chance for effective treatment and improved outcomes.
