Mouth cancer, a form of head and neck cancer, typically develops after age 40 and is more common in men. This year alone, India recorded 77,003 new cases and 52,067 deaths. Often detected late—after spreading to lymph nodes—early diagnosis significantly improves survival.
Types of mouth cancer include lip, tongue, inner cheek, gum, jaw, and lower mouth cancers. Regular dental checkups—ideally twice a year—can aid early detection.
Common symptoms include non-healing sores, swelling in the mouth, unexplained bleeding, difficulty swallowing, loose teeth, persistent mouth or ear pain, sudden neck lumps, and red or white patches on the lips or tongue. While these may not always indicate cancer, persistent or multiple symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.
Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit, a mouth cancer specialist, recommends routine oral screenings, especially for smokers and heavy drinkers.
Smoking remains the leading cause of oral cancer, particularly among those using cigarettes, cigars, or pipes.
Don’t delay—if you notice unusual symptoms, consult your dentist or doctor promptly. Early action can save your life.
