Understanding Mouth Cancer: What You Need to Know
Mouth cancer is a type of cancer that affects the mouth, throat, and head area. It is often grouped with cancers of the head and neck because of its close location. Most cases occur in people over the age of 40, with men being more susceptible than women. In India alone, over 77,000 new cases of mouth cancer were reported this year, with more than 52,000 deaths.
The good news? Early detection of oral cancer significantly reduces the risk to life, especially before it spreads to the lymph nodes in your neck.
Types of Mouth Cancer (Oral Cancer)
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Lip Cancer
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Tongue Cancer
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Inner Cheek Cancer
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Gum Cancer
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Cancer of the floor of the mouth (lower part of the mouth)
If you notice any symptoms or changes in your mouth, it’s essential to visit your dentist immediately. Experts recommend a dental check-up at least twice a year for early detection.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Mouth Cancer
In its early stages, mouth cancer often shows no symptoms, which is why regular dental visits are crucial—especially if you smoke or drink alcohol regularly.
Key symptoms to watch for include:
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Sores or blisters in the mouth or on the lips that don’t heal
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Swelling or enlargement in the mouth
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Bleeding from the mouth
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Loose teeth without an obvious cause
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Mouth pain or trouble swallowing
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Sudden lumps in the neck
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Ear pain or earache
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Unexplained weight loss
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Numbness around the lips, face, neck, or chin
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Red or white patches in the mouth or on the lips
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Persistent sore throat
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Dry mouth
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Jaw pain or stiffness
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Tongue pain
While these symptoms don’t always mean cancer, any persistent or multiple symptoms should be checked promptly by a dentist or doctor. Early consultation can lead to timely treatment and better outcomes.
What Causes Mouth Cancer?
Several lifestyle factors increase the risk of developing mouth cancer:
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Smoking: Cigarettes, cigars, or pipes are the most common cause.
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Tobacco use: Any form of tobacco, including chewing tobacco, significantly raises risk.
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Excessive alcohol consumption: Heavy drinking is another major factor.
Stages of Mouth Cancer
Knowing the stage of cancer helps determine treatment options and prognosis:
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Stage 1: Tumor is less than 1 inch and hasn’t spread to lymph nodes.
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Stage 2: Tumor grows to 1-2 inches, still no lymph node involvement.
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Stage 3: Tumor around 2 inches or smaller but has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
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Stage 4: Cancer has spread extensively to surrounding tissues, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body.
Take Action: Don’t Wait to Get Checked
If you notice any warning signs or are at risk due to smoking, tobacco, or alcohol use, visit your dentist regularly. Early diagnosis can save lives.
For expert care and guidance, you can consult Mouth Cancer Specialist Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit for personalized treatment options.
