Oral squamous cell carcinoma. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a single cancerous oral squamous cell moving through a pore in filter paper. Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of mouth cancer comprising 9 out of 10 cases. Oral cancer is where a tumour forms and develops in the lining of the mouth. It may be found on the surface of the tongue, insides of the cheeks, roof of the mouth, the lips, or the gums. Tumours may also develop in the salivary glands, tonsils or pharynx, although these are less common. With early diagnosis a complete cure is often possible using surgery alone. Approximately 60% of people with mouth cancer live for 5 years with many living much longer with no return of the cancer. Magnification: x1900 when printed at 10cm wide