Mouth Cancer (Oral Cancer): What You Should Know
Mouth cancer is a type of cancer that falls under head and neck cancers and is often treated similarly. It most commonly occurs in people over the age of 40, and men are more likely to be affected than women. In India alone, 77,003 new cases of mouth cancer have been reported this year, with 52,067 deaths attributed to it.
Oral cancer is often detected only after it has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. However, if diagnosed early, the risk to life is significantly reduced.
Types of Mouth Cancer (Oral Cancer)
Lip Cancer
Tongue Cancer
Inner Cheek Cancer
Gum Cancer
Cancer of the Floor of the Mouth (under the tongue)
If you notice any symptoms of oral cancer, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible. According to dental experts, you should have your mouth examined at least twice a year. Early detection is key. You can also consult with mouth cancer specialist Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit for expert care.
Symptoms of Mouth Cancer (Oral Cancer)
In the early stages, mouth cancer often has no symptoms, making it difficult to detect. People who smoke or drink alcohol regularly should get their mouth checked frequently.
Common symptoms include:
A blister or sore on the lips or mouth that doesn’t heal
Swelling or enlargement in the mouth
Bleeding from the mouth
Loose teeth
Persistent mouth pain or difficulty swallowing
A sudden lump in the neck
Earache
Sudden weight loss
Numbness in the lips, face, neck, or chin
Red or white patches in the mouth or on the lips
Throat pain
Dry mouth
Jaw pain or stiffness
Tongue pain
While these symptoms do not always mean cancer, they should never be ignored. Some symptoms like a sore throat or earache may also indicate other illnesses, but if the symptoms persist or appear together, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Visit your dentist or doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.
Causes of Mouth Cancer (Oral Cancer)
Smoking: Cigarettes, cigars, and pipe smoking are the most common causes of mouth cancer.
Tobacco Use: Consuming tobacco in any form can significantly increase the risk of developing oral cancer.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Drinking heavily is another major contributing factor.
Stages of Mouth Cancer
The stages of mouth cancer help determine the treatment options and chances of recovery. They are categorized as follows:
Stage 1: The tumor is less than 1 inch in size and hasn’t spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Stage 2: The tumor is 1 to 2 inches in size and still hasn’t reached the lymph nodes.
Stage 3: The tumor is about 2 inches or has spread to nearby lymph nodes even if it’s smaller.
Stage 4: The cancer has spread beyond the mouth to surrounding tissues, lips, lymph nodes, or even other parts of the body.
Understanding the stage of cancer is crucial for planning the appropriate treatment and assessing the chances of a cure.
