Oral cancer can arise in several parts of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth, and palate. In India, the burden is particularly high. Each year, more than 77,000 new cases are reported, and over 52,000 people lose their lives to this disease. It remains one of the top cancer-related causes of death in the country.

One of the main reasons for this high mortality is delayed detection. Many cases are discovered only after the cancer has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes. With early diagnosis, however, the chances of successful treatment increase significantly.

Awareness and regular screening are essential.

Types of Oral Can:cer

Oral can:cer can affect any of the following areas:

• Lips
• Tongue
• Gums
• Inner cheek (buccal mucosa)
• Floor of the mouth
• Hard and soft palate

Although symptoms may differ slightly depending on the location, all forms require prompt medical evaluation.

Common Symptoms of Oral Can:cer

Early-stage oral cancer may not cause noticeable discomfort, making self-monitoring especially important for individuals in high-risk groups. Watch for:

• Non-healing mouth sores
• Red, white, or mixed-color patches
• Lumps, swelling, or thickened tissue inside the mouth or neck
• Unexplained bleeding
• Loose teeth without obvious dental cause
• Pain or difficulty chewing and swallowing
• Numbness of the lips, tongue, chin, or neck
• Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
• Jaw stiffness or pain
• Ear pain unrelated to hearing problems
• Chronic dry mouth or burning sensations
• Unintentional weight loss

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors can increase your likelihood of developing oral cancer:

• Tobacco use in any form. Nearly 80 percent of oral cancer cases are linked to tobacco.
• Heavy alcohol consumption, especially when combined with tobacco.
• HPV infection, which is increasingly associated with cancers in the throat and base of the tongue.
• Poor oral hygiene, which allows chronic irritation and infections to persist.
• Excessive sun exposure, a major risk for lip cancer.
• Family history of cancer.
• Nutritional deficiencies, particularly low fruit and vegetable intake.

Stages of Oral Cancer

Cancer staging helps determine treatment and prognosis:

• Stage 1: Tumor under 2 cm; no lymph node involvement.

• Stage 2: Tumor 2–4 cm; still no lymph node spread.

• Stage 3: Tumor over 4 cm or spread to a single nearby lymph node.

• Stage 4: Cancer has spread deeply to nearby structures, multiple lymph nodes, or distant organs.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the tumor’s size, location, and stage. Common therapies include:

Surgery

Often the initial approach. Some patients may require reconstructive procedures to restore appearance and function, such as pedicle or free-flap reconstruction.

Radiation Therapy

Targeted energy beams destroy cancer cells. Options include external beam radiation and internal brachytherapy.

Chemotherapy

Drugs that kill or slow cancer growth. Often combined with radiation for improved effectiveness.

Targeted Therapy

Medications that block specific pathways used by cancer cells, generally resulting in fewer side effects.

Immunotherapy

In advanced cases, treatments that stimulate the immune system to attack cancer may be recommended.

A multidisciplinary treatment plan usually offers the best possible outcome.

Conclusion

Oral cancer is a serious yet highly preventable disease. When detected early, it is also one of the most treatable forms of cancer. Never ignore persistent mouth sores, color changes, difficulty swallowing, or unusual sensations in your lips or tongue. Regular dental visits, awareness of risk factors, and prompt medical evaluation are powerful tools in protecting your long-term health.

Taking action early can save your life.