Mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, is a form of head and neck cancer that most commonly affects people over the age of 40, with men at higher risk than women. In India alone, more than 77,000 new cases have been reported this year, resulting in over 52,000 deaths, highlighting the seriousness of the disease.
Oral cancer often develops silently. In its early stages, symptoms may be mild or absent, which is why regular dental checkups are critical—especially for individuals who smoke or consume alcohol frequently. When detected early, the risk to life is significantly reduced, but delayed diagnosis can allow the cancer to spread to lymph nodes in the neck.
Common types of oral cancer include
cancer of the lips, tongue, gums, inner cheeks, and the floor of the mouth. Warning signs may include non-healing sores, mouth pain, bleeding, difficulty swallowing, loose teeth, red or white patches, jaw stiffness, unexplained weight loss, ear pain, or a sudden lump in the neck.
While these symptoms do not always indicate cancer, persistent or multiple symptoms should never be ignored. Dentists recommend oral examinations at least twice a year. Early medical attention greatly improves outcomes and can be life-saving.
