CCS adapting to COVID-19 realities to support Canadians during and after the pandemic
Cancerous tumours of the mouth
A cancerous tumour of the mouth can grow into and destroy nearby tissue. It can also spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Cancerous tumours are also called malignant tumours.
Squamous cell carcinoma
The most common type of oral cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). SCC starts in the flat, thin cells (called squamous cells) that make up the oral mucosa (mucous membrane).
Rare mouth tumours
The following cancerous tumours of the mouth are rare:
- salivary gland cancer
- melanoma
- bone and soft tissue sarcoma
- lymphoma
Making progress in the cancer fight

The 5-year cancer survival rate has increased from 25% in the 1940s to 60% today.