Mouth Cancer (Oral Cancer): Symptoms, Causes, Stages & Treatment
Mouth cancer, a form of head and neck cancer, often goes undetected in its early stages and is usually diagnosed once it has spread to nearby areas like the lymph nodes. This makes early detection absolutely crucial.
📊 Alarming Stats (India, This Year):
-
77,003 new mouth cancer cases
-
52,067 deaths
-
Mostly affects individuals above age 40
-
Men are more commonly affected than women
🚨 Types of Mouth Cancer
-
Lip Cancer
-
Tongue Cancer
-
Inner Cheek Cancer
-
Gum Cancer
-
Floor of the Mouth Cancer
If you experience any symptoms, consult your dentist or oral cancer specialist like Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit immediately. Experts recommend getting your mouth examined at least twice a year.
🔍 Symptoms of Mouth Cancer
Early symptoms may be silent, but high-risk individuals (especially smokers and alcohol users) must be extra vigilant. Common signs include:
-
Persistent sore or blister in the mouth or on the lips that doesn’t heal
-
Bleeding or pain in the mouth
-
Loose teeth without dental cause
-
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
-
Lump in the neck
-
Numbness in the lips, chin, or face
-
Unexplained weight loss
-
Red or white patches inside the mouth
-
Jaw stiffness or pain
-
Persistent earache or sore throat
⚠️ These symptoms may also indicate other conditions, but if they persist or appear together, don’t ignore them. Seek medical help right away.
⚠️ What Causes Mouth Cancer?
-
Smoking (cigarettes, cigars, pipes)
-
Tobacco use (in any form)
-
Excessive alcohol consumption
-
Poor oral hygiene
-
HPV infection (less common but notable)
📈 Stages of Mouth Cancer
Understanding the stages helps in determining treatment and recovery chances:
-
Stage 1: Tumor < 1 inch, not spread to lymph nodes
-
Stage 2: Tumor 1–2 inches, still no lymph node involvement
-
Stage 3: Tumor ≥ 2 inches or smaller tumor that has reached lymph nodes
-
Stage 4: Cancer spreads to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, or other body parts
Early-stage cancer has a much higher survival rate.
🩺 Treatment Options
Treatment varies by stage and may involve one or more of the following:
🧪 1. Surgery
-
Removes the tumor and possibly affected tissues
-
Reconstruction may be needed (e.g., pedicle or free flap surgery)
☢️ 2. Radiation Therapy
-
Targets cancer cells with high-energy rays
-
External Beam Radiation and Brachytherapy are commonly used
💊 3. Chemotherapy
-
Uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells
-
Often combined with radiation for maximum effect
🎯 4. Targeted Therapy
-
Attacks specific cancer cells and prevents them from growing
-
Can be used alone or with chemo/radiation
✅ Key Facts You Should Know
-
80% of oral cancer cases are linked to tobacco use
-
Average diagnosis age: 50 years
-
Men are more affected than women
-
Early detection = 82% survival rate
-
Late detection = survival rate drops to 27%
🦷 Prevention & Oral Care Tips
-
Visit your dentist regularly
-
Quit smoking and chewing tobacco
-
Limit alcohol intake
-
Maintain proper oral hygiene
-
Pay attention to any unusual changes in your mouth
Early detection saves lives. Don’t wait. If you notice any symptoms, see your dentist or a specialist immediately. Your health is worth it.
