Lip cancer, tongue cancer, gum cancer, inner cheek cancer, and cancer of the floor of the mouth are serious conditions that often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Oral cancer, though less discussed than other cancers, can be life-threatening—but early detection greatly improves outcomes.
Mouth cancer can affect the lips, tongue, gums, inner cheeks, the roof and floor of the mouth, and the area under the tongue. Early stages are often painless, making awareness crucial. Symptoms to watch for include sores that don’t heal within two weeks, red or white patches, lumps or thickened areas, difficulty chewing or swallowing, numbness, loose teeth, persistent bad breath, earaches, or swelling in the neck.
Anyone can develop oral cancer, but risk increases with tobacco use, frequent alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure, HPV infection, poor oral hygiene, or a family history of cancer. Dentists often detect early signs during routine exams, so twice-yearly checkups are essential.
Treatment depends on the stage and may involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or rehabilitation for speech and swallowing. Stage I oral cancer has a survival rate above 90%, highlighting the importance of early detection. Prevention includes quitting tobacco, limiting alcohol, HPV vaccination, and good oral hygiene.
