Mouth And Oropharyngeal Cancer
Doctors stage mouth cancers differently to oropharyngeal cancers. Mouth cancers start in different parts of the mouth, including the lips, gums or soft sides of the mouth. Oropharyngeal cancer starts in the oropharynx which is the part of the throat (pharynx) just behind the mouth. It includes tonsil cancer and cancer in the back part of the tongue.
There are different ways of staging mouth or oropharyngeal cancer. There is the TNM system and the number staging system. The number staging system includes 4 stages – from stage 1 to stage 4.
Leukoplakia, erythroplakia and erythroleukoplakia are three medical conditions that can cause abnormal areas in the mouth or throat.
Most mouth and oropharyngeal cancers are squamous cell cancers. But there are less common types.
Tongue cancer is classed as a mouth or oropharyngeal cancer. This depends on whether it starts in the front or the back of the tongue.
TNM stands for tumour, node and metastases. It is one of the staging systems doctors use for mouth cancer.
There are 4 main stages in this system (stage 1 to 4). Some doctors also use stage 0.
The TNM staging and the number staging systems are used to stage oropharyngeal cancer.
Last reviewed: 17 Jul 2024
Next review due: 17 Jul 2027
About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since 2010. Learn more about Dangoor Education
Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK.
Connect with other people affected by cancer and share your experiences.
Questions about cancer? Call freephone 0808 800 40 40 from 9 to 5 - Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can email us.
