Also known as oral cancer, this category includes any cancerous tissue growth located in the mouth.

See also Map 7 All cancer deaths, Map 65 Laryngeal cancer and Map 71 Cancer of gullet.

Compare this map to Map 47B (chronic liver disease, males) and Map 68 (lung cancer). They have very similar patterns, and this map could almost be a map of the combined effects of smoking and drinking. The west of Scotland, Edinburgh, the urban parts of north west England, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and London north of the Thames all have high rates. In the remainder of the country there is a north–south divide with the southern half of the country having significantly lower rates.

About three quarters of cancers of the mouth are related to smoking or other tobacco use, such as chewing tobacco or using snuff. Alcohol use is also a risk factor. The risk from heavy smoking and drinking is greatly increased compared with the risk of heavy smoking or heavy alcohol consumption alone.

Some mouth tumours can be removed by surgery and treated with subsequent radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Surgery can lead to the disfigurement of the face, head and neck and may lead to difficulties in movement, chewing, swallowing and speech.