Mouth Cancer (Oral Cancer): Overview

Mouth cancer is a type of cancer that falls under head and throat cancers and is often treated similarly. It mostly occurs after the age of 40, and men are more prone to it than women.

In India, 77,003 new cases of mouth cancer have been registered this year, with 52,067 deaths reported. Mouth cancer is often detected after it has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. However, if detected early, the risk to life is significantly lower.

Types of Mouth Cancer

• Lip Cancer

• Tongue Cancer

• Inner Cheek Cancer

• Gum Cancer

• Cancer of the Floor of the Mouth

When to See a Doctor

You should visit your dentist as soon as you notice any symptoms of oral cancer. Dentists recommend getting your mouth examined at least twice a year.

For consultation, you can meet Mouth Cancer Specialist Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit.

Symptoms of Mouth Cancer

In the early stages, mouth cancer often shows no symptoms. However, people who smoke or consume alcohol regularly should have their mouth checked periodically.

Common Symptoms Include:

• Non-healing sore or blister in the mouth or on the lips

• Swelling or enlargement in the mouth

• Bleeding from the mouth

• Loose teeth

• Pain or difficulty in swallowing

• Lump in the neck

• Earache

• Sudden weight loss

• Numbness in lips, face, neck, or chin

• Red or white patches in the mouth or on the lips

• Throat pain or dry mouth

• Jaw pain or stiffness

• Tongue pain

Note: These symptoms don’t always indicate cancer, but should not be ignored—especially if they persist or occur together. See your dentist or doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Causes of Mouth Cancer

• Smoking: The most common cause. Risk is higher for cigarette, cigar, or pipe smokers.

• Tobacco Use: Any form of tobacco (chewing or smoking) significantly increases the risk.

• Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Often combined with tobacco use, this further increases the risk.

Stages of Mouth Cancer

1. Stage 1: Tumor is less than 1 inch and hasn’t reached lymph nodes.

2. Stage 2: Tumor grows to 1–2 inches but still hasn’t reached lymph nodes.

3. Stage 3: Tumor is larger than 2 inches or smaller but has reached nearby lymph nodes.

4. Stage 4: Cancer has spread beyond the mouth, affecting nearby tissues, lymph nodes, or even distant parts of the body.

The stage of cancer helps determine both the treatment plan and the chances of recovery.

Treatment of Mouth Cancer

1. Surgery

   • The tumor is surgically removed.

   • A small incision may be made in the jaw or neck.

   • After removal, reconstructive surgery (pedicle or free flap) may be needed.

2. Radiation Therapy

   • Targets cancer cells using radiation.

   • Methods include External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) and Brachytherapy.

3. Chemotherapy

   • Often combined with radiation.

   • Uses anticancer drugs to destroy cancer cells throughout the body.

4. Targeted Drug Therapy

   • Attacks cancer cells directly.

   • Can be used alone or with chemotherapy to stop cancer cell growth at the root.

Important Facts About Mouth Cancer

• 80% of cases are caused by tobacco use.

• The average age of diagnosis is 50 years.

• Men are more affected than women, and risk increases with age.

• Early detection gives a survival rate of up to 82%.

• Late detection reduces the survival rate to 27%.

Prevention and Awareness

Many people in India do not give enough attention to oral health. Regular visits to the dentist and proper oral hygiene can prevent most oral problems, including mouth cancer. Don’t ignore symptoms—early detection saves lives.