Oral cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the mouth or throat. It can affect the lips, tongue, gums, inner lining of the cheeks, roof or floor of the mouth, and even the tonsils. Early detection greatly improves the chances of successful treatment, but unfortunately, oral cancer is often diagnosed in its later stages.

Types of Oral Cancer

Most oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas — cancers that develop in the thin, flat cells lining the mouth and throat. Other rare types include salivary gland cancers, lymphomas, and melanomas in the oral cavity.

Common Symptoms

While some symptoms may seem minor at first, persistent changes in the mouth should never be ignored. Watch for:

  • A sore in the mouth or on the lip that doesn’t heal within 2 weeks
  • A lump, thickening, or rough patch in the mouth
  • White or red patches (leukoplakia or erythroplakia) on the gums, tongue, or inner cheeks
  • Pain, numbness, or tenderness in the mouth or lips
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
  • Unexplained loosening of teeth
  • Persistent sore throat or change in voice
  • Swelling in the jaw
  • Unexplained bleeding in the mouth

Causes and Risk Factors

Oral cancer develops when mutations occur in the DNA of cells in the mouth, leading to uncontrolled cell growth. Several factors increase the risk:

  • Tobacco use – smoking, chewing tobacco, gutka, paan with tobacco
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection – particularly HPV-16
  • Prolonged sun exposure – increases risk of lip cancer
  • Poor oral hygiene and chronic irritation (ill-fitting dentures, sharp teeth edges)
  • Weakened immune system
  • Diet low in fruits and vegetables

The risk is significantly higher in people who combine tobacco and alcohol use.

Diagnosis

1. Physical examination – checking for lumps, sores, and discolorations

2. Biopsy – removing a small tissue sample for lab analysis

3. Imaging tests – X-rays, CT scans, MRI, or PET scans to check spread

4. Endoscopy – using a flexible camera to view the throat and surrounding areas.

Stages of Oral Cancer

Stage 0 – Abnormal cells are present but haven’t spread (carcinoma in situ)

Stage I – Tumor ≤ 2 cm and hasn’t spread to lymph nodes

Stage II – Tumor 2–4 cm, no lymph node spread

Stage III – Tumor > 4 cm or spread to one lymph node

Stage IV – Cancer has spread to other tissues, lymph nodes, or distant organs.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cancer’s location, stage, and overall health of the patient. Common options include:

Surgery – to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue; may involve reconstructive surgery if large areas are removed

Radiation therapy – uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells; often used after surgery or for early-stage cancers

Chemotherapy – drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells; often combined with radiation for advanced cases

Targeted therapy – drugs that specifically attack cancer cell growth mechanisms (e.g., cetuximab)

Immunotherapy – boosts the immune system’s ability to fight cancer, used in advanced cases.

Possible Complications

  • Difficulty speaking, chewing, or swallowing after surgery
  • Disfigurement of the face or mouth
  • Dry mouth and loss of taste (especially after radiation)
  • Recurrence of cancer Emotional distress and reduced quality of life

Prevention

  • Many cases of oral cancer are preventable. Steps include:
  • Quit tobacco in all forms
  • Limit alcohol intake
  • Protect lips from sun exposure with lip balms containing SPF
  • Maintain good oral hygiene and get regular dental check-ups
  • Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
  • Get vaccinated against HPV
  • Treat ill-fitting dentures or sharp teeth edges promptly

When to see a doctor

  • A mouth sore lasting more than 2 weeks
  • Unexplained lumps or patches
  • Persistent pain or numbness in the mouth
  • Difficulty swallowing or moving the tongue/jaw

Prognosis

The survival rate for oral cancer depends on the stage at diagnosis. Early-stage detection can have a survival rate of 70–90%, while advanced stages have a much lower rate. This highlights the importance of early screening and regular dental visits.

Dr. Sumit Dubey 

B.D.S, M.D.S, F.I.C.O.I. (PROSTHODONTIST AND ORAL IMPLANTOLOGIST)

C - 95, Lajpat Nagar I, New Delhi, Delhi 110024

Ph. & Mail I'D - 9999335502 , drdubey79@gmail.com

Book your consultation on Practo today!