Mouth and oropharyngeal cancer
Mouth cancer can start in different parts of the mouth, including the lips, gums or soft sides of the mouth. Oropharyngeal cancer starts in the oropharynx. The oropharynx is the part of the throat (pharynx) just behind the mouth. Oropharyngeal cancer includes tonsil cancer and cancer in the back part of the tongue.
If your cancer started on your tongue or tonsils, you might also find it useful to look at our information about these cancers in the head and neck section.