Cancer that arises in the jawbones is termed primary jaw cancer. Examples of primary jaw cancer include malignant giant cell tumors, Ewing sarcoma and osteosarcoma. Alternatively, cancers arising from other tissues can spread to the jaw. This is secondary jaw cancer.

There are many types of non-cancerous growths in the mouth, which occur in people of all ages. Growths may be in the form of a fluid filled cysts, excess bone growths, fibrosis tissues or lumps. They may be caused by different reasons such as irritation, an overgrowth of bone or infection.

Mouth cancer can develop on the lips, gums, tongue, the roof and floor of the mouth and inside the lining of the cheeks. According to the Mayo Clinic, this type of cancer falls under the category of head and neck cancers.