Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer and is often considered in this context. Oral cancer typically develops after age 40, with men being more affected than women. This year, 77,003 new cases of oral cancer were reported in India, with 52,067 deaths.

Oral cancer is often detected in its late stages, when it has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, but early detection significantly reduces the risk of death. Types of oral cancer include lip cancer, tongue cancer, cancer of the inner cheek, gum cancer, and cancer of the lower part of the mouth. If any warning signs appear, it is recommended to see a dentist as soon as possible, and experts recommend seeing a dentist for an oral examination at least twice a year.

Symptoms

In its early stages, oral cancer often goes undetected because there may be no outward symptoms. However, people who regularly smoke or drink alcohol should undergo particularly thorough preventive examinations. The most common symptoms include:

• a non-healing ulcer on the lips or in the mouth;
• a lump or swelling in the mouth;
• bleeding without apparent cause;
• loose teeth;
• difficulty swallowing or pain in the mouth;
• sudden lump in the neck area;
• ear pain;
• unexplained weight loss;
• numbness of the lips, face, neck, or chin;
• red or white spots on the lips or mucous membranes;
• sore throat;
• dry mouth;
• stiffness or pain in the jaw;
• pain in the tongue.

While these symptoms don’t necessarily indicate oral cancer, they shouldn’t be ignored—especially if several signs occur simultaneously or persist despite treatment. Early diagnosis and referral to a specialist are crucial.

Reasons

The main risk factors for developing oral cancer are smoking (cigarettes, cigars, pipes), tobacco use in any form, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Stages

• Stage I – the tumor is less than 2.5 cm and does not affect the lymph nodes;
• Stage II – tumor from 2.5 to 5 cm, without metastases to the lymph nodes;
• Stage III – the tumor is larger than 5 cm or smaller in size, but with metastases to nearby lymph nodes;
• Stage IV – Cancer has spread widely to surrounding tissues, lips, lymph nodes, or distant organs.

Treatment

The choice of treatment method and prognosis depend on the stage of the disease. The main treatment options are:

• Surgical intervention – removal of the tumor followed by reconstruction of the affected area using local or free skin-fat flaps;
• Radiation therapy – external beam radiation (EBRT) or brachytherapy to target cancer cells;
• Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer drugs, often in combination with radiation therapy;
• Targeted therapy is a targeted effect on tumor cells, blocking their growth; it can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Key facts

• Tobacco accounts for about 80% of oral cancer cases;
• the average age at diagnosis is 50 years;
• men get sick more often than women, and the risk increases with age;
• When detected early, the five-year survival rate is approximately 82%;
• With late diagnosis, survival drops to 27%.

Any warning signs should be addressed promptly. Unfortunately, in many parts of India, oral health is neglected, leading to preventable illnesses. Regular dental checkups and proper oral hygiene are key to prevention and early detection.