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By Healthtrip Team Blog Published on - 04 August - 2022

From Symptoms to Prevention, Here’s All You Need to Know About Oral Cancer

Overview

Oral cancer is considered one of the most common cancers in India. Oral or mouth cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth, including the sides of the cheeks, lips, tongue, and gums. This can also affect the oropharynx, i.e., the last part of your tongue and the sides and back of your throat. Oral cancer can be fatal if left untreated. Here we’ve discussed mouth cancer symptoms that you need to know about. Keep on reading this blog to find out more about the same.

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What are the signs and symptoms of oral cancer?

The following are the symptoms that can be caused by oral cancer or even by other cancers. The most common symptoms include:

  • Mouth pain that does not go away
  • Lips, mouth, or cheek thickening or lump
  • Non-healing sore in the lip
  • A white or red patch that appears on the tonsil, tongue, gums, or mouth lining
  • A sore throat or the sensation that something is stuck in your throat that won't go away
  • Having difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • Having difficulty moving the jaw or tongue
  • Numbness of the tongue, lip, or other mouth areas
  • A swollen or painful tongue
  • Teeth loosening or pain around the teeth
  • Voice alteration
  • A mass or lump in the neck or the back of the throat
  • Loss of weight

If any of the symptoms mentioned above persist for more than two weeks, seek medical attention. Consult your dentist immediately so the cause can be found and treated, if required.

Who gets oral cancer?

According to the WHO, oral cancer affects 20 per 1 lakh people in India, accounting for about 30% of all cancers. In India, around 77,000 new cases are reported annually.

How can you prevent the risk of developing mouth cancer?

As per our mouth cancer specialists, there is no proven method of preventing mouth cancer. However, if you do the following, you can lessen your risk of getting mouth cancer:

Stop using tobacco if you do. Don't start smoking if you don't already. Chewing or smoking tobacco exposes the cells in your mouth to chemicals that can cause cancer.

If you take alcohol, do so in moderation. Chronic excessive alcohol consumption can irritate the cells of your mouth making them vulnerable to mouth cancer. For healthy adults, no more than one drink per day is allowed. Women of all ages and men over the age of 65 should not have more than two drinks per day.

Also, Read - 10 Best Mouth Cancer Treatment Hospitals In India

Avoid getting too much sun on your lips. Wear a hat with a wide brim that covers your entire face, including your mouth. Use a sunscreen lip product as part of your regular sun protection routine.

Regularly visiting your dentist can help you keep these symptoms at bay. During a routine dental exam, ask your dentist to look for any abnormalities that might point to mouth cancer or precancerous changes throughout your entire mouth.

How can we help with the treatment?

If you are in search of mouth cancer treatment in India, we will serve as your guide throughout the treatment. Our health trip advisors will be physically present with you even before the treatment begins. The following will be provided to you:

  • Opinions of expert physicians and surgeons
  • Transparent communication
  • Coordinated care
  • Prior appointment with specialists
  • Assistance with hospital formalities
  • 24*7 availability
  • Arrangement for travel
  • Assistance for accommodation and healthy recovery
  • Assistance in emergencies

We are dedicated to offering the highest quality medical tourism to our patients. We have a team of highly qualified and devoted health trip advisors who will be by your side from the beginning of your journey.

FAQs

Oral cancer is a common type of cancer in India that can develop anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, and oropharynx (back of the throat). If left untreated, it can be fatal. Recognizing oral cancer symptoms is crucial for early detection.
The common symptoms of oral cancer include persistent mouth pain, thickening or lumps in the lips, mouth, or cheeks, non-healing sores in the lip, white or red patches on the tongue, tonsils, gums, or mouth lining, difficulty chewing or swallowing, jaw or tongue movement problems, numbness in mouth areas, swollen or painful tongue, voice changes, and unexplained weight loss.
Oral cancer affects about 20 per 1 lakh people in India, constituting 30% of all cancers. Around 77,000 new cases are reported in India annually, according to WHO statistics.
While there's no guaranteed prevention method, you can reduce oral cancer risk by quitting tobacco, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, protecting your lips from excessive sun exposure, and maintaining regular dental check-ups to detect any abnormalities.
Early detection of oral cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes. Regular dental exams can help identify any signs of oral cancer or precancerous changes in the mouth, allowing for timely intervention.
If you're seeking mouth cancer treatment in India, our health trip advisors offer comprehensive guidance throughout your treatment journey. We provide expert opinions, transparent communication, coordinated care, appointments with specialists, assistance with hospital procedures, 24/7 support, travel arrangements, accommodation assistance, and emergency support to ensure a smooth experience.
Preventive measures for oral cancer include avoiding tobacco use (especially smoking and chewing), limiting alcohol consumption, protecting lips from excessive sun exposure, and regular dental check-ups for early detection and management.
Oral cancer affects around 20 in 1 lakh people in India and accounts for approximately 30% of all cancer cases. An estimated 77,000 new cases are reported in India annually.
Symptoms like persistent mouth pain, lumps or thickening in the mouth, non-healing sores, white or red patches, difficulty in chewing or swallowing, voice changes, and unexplained weight loss should prompt immediate medical attention.
Oral cancer is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, imaging tests, and biopsies. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, depending on the stage and type of cancer. Early detection greatly improves treatment success.