Mouth cancer is a type of cancer of the throat and head and is often treated as such. Mouth cancer mostly occurs after the age of 40, and men are more prone to it than women. A total of 77,003 new cases of mouth cancer have been registered in India this year and 52,067 people have died. Oral cancer is detected when it has spread to the lymph nodes in your neck and if oral cancer is detected early, the risk of life is low.Types of Mouth Cancer (Oral Cancer)-

Lip Cancer Tongue Cancer Inner Cheek Cancer Gum Cancer Cancer of the lower part of the mouth You should see your dentist as soon as you see symptoms of oral cancer. According to the dentist, at least twice a year, get your mouth examined by your doctor. Let us know about its symptoms, dangers, its stages. And you can meet Mouth Cancer Specialist Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit

In the early stages of mouth cancer, it is not detected and there are no symptoms, but people who smoke or drink alcohol on a daily basis should have their mouth checked from time to time by their dentist.

Mouth Cancer (Oral Cancer): Complete 5,000-Word Detailed Article

Introduction

Mouth cancer—clinically known as oral cancer—is a serious disease that falls under the broader category of head and neck cancers. It can develop in any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth, and palate. Globally, hundreds of thousands of new cases appear every year, but the burden is especially high in South Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Pakistan. India alone has registered 77,003 new cases and 52,067 deaths from mouth cancer this year, making it one of the most common cancers in the country.

What makes oral cancer particularly dangerous is that it often goes unnoticed in its early stages. Most patients only seek medical attention once the cancer has already progressed and spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. By this time, treatment becomes more difficult, expensive, and less successful. Yet, if detected early, mouth cancer is highly treatable, and the chance of survival increases significantly.

People over the age of 40, especially men, are at the highest risk. Lifestyle habits—such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and betel nut chewing—are the biggest contributors. However, regular dental checkups, awareness of symptoms, and early detection can save lives.

In this article, we discuss types, causes, risk factors, symptoms, dangers, diagnosis, stages, treatment options, prevention strategies, and expert guidance, including when to consult a Mouth Cancer Specialist like Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit.

1. What Is Mouth Cancer?

Mouth cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the tissues of the mouth. It is a subset of head and neck cancers and includes cancers that develop in:

Lips
Tongue
Inner cheeks (buccal mucosa)
Gums
Floor of the mouth
Hard and soft palate
Throat region connected to the oral cavity

Most mouth cancers begin in the squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells that line the mouth. This type is called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and accounts for more than 90% of oral cancer cases.

2. Types of Mouth Cancer (Oral Cancer)

Understanding where the cancer originates helps determine the best treatment plan. The major types include:

2.1 Lip Cancer

Occurs on the upper or lower lip. Sun exposure, smoking, and tobacco chewing are major causes. Lip cancer is often visible early, making it more treatable.

2.2 Tongue Cancer

Can occur on the oral tongue (front part) or base of the tongue.
Tongue cancer is aggressive and spreads quickly, making early detection crucial.

2.3 Inner Cheek Cancer (Buccal Mucosa Cancer)

Very common in people who chew tobacco, paan, gutkha, or betel nut. Chronic irritation causes the lining of the cheeks to become cancerous.

2.4 Gum Cancer

Affects the upper or lower gums. Often linked to tobacco chewing and poor dental hygiene.

2.5 Floor of the Mouth Cancer

Develops under the tongue. Early symptoms may resemble mouth ulcers, making diagnosis challenging.

2.6 Palate Cancer

Involves the roof of the mouth. Smoking or using reverse-smoking practices increases risk.

2.7 Oropharyngeal Cancer

Located behind the oral cavity (tonsils, base of tongue).
Linked to HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection, especially HPV-16.

3. Causes of Mouth Cancer

Mouth cancer develops when genetic mutations cause cells in the oral cavity to grow uncontrollably. These mutations are often triggered by long-term exposure to harmful substances or habits.

The major causes include:

3.1 Tobacco Use

The number one cause of oral cancer.
This includes:

Cigarettes
Bidis
Cigars
Chewing tobacco
Gutkha
Paan with tobacco
Khaini

Tobacco contains carcinogens that damage cell DNA over time.

3.2 Alcohol Consumption

Heavy drinking increases the risk.
When combined with tobacco, the risk multiplies up to 30 times.

3.3 Betel Quid & Areca Nut (Supari)

Common in South Asia.
Chewing betel nut causes constant friction and chemical irritation, leading to precancerous lesions and eventually cancer.

3.4 HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

A sexually transmitted infection.
HPV-positive cancers occur more in the throat and base of the tongue.

3.5 Poor Oral Hygiene

Chronic mouth infections, gum disease, and unclean teeth contribute to cancer risk.

3.6 Weak Immune System

People with suppressed immunity are at higher risk.

3.7 Sun Exposure

Causes lip cancer, especially in outdoor workers.

3.8 Genetics

A family history of cancer may increase risk.

4. Risk Factors for Mouth Cancer

Even though anyone can develop oral cancer, certain groups are more likely to be affected.

Age above 40
Male gender
Using tobacco in any form
Regular alcohol use
Chewing betel nut or paan
Chronic sharp teeth injuries
HPV infection
Previous head and neck cancer
Poor nutrition (low fruits and vegetables)
Long-term sun exposure (for lip cancer)

5. Symptoms of Mouth Cancer

In the early stages, there are often no symptoms. This makes regular dental checkups essential—at least twice a year.

However, as the disease progresses, the symptoms become more noticeable.

Common Signs & Symptoms:

A persistent mouth ulcer that doesn’t heal for 2–3 weeks
Red or white patches inside the mouth
A lump or thickened area in the mouth
Pain in the mouth or ear
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Numbness in the tongue or lips
Bleeding without reason
Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw
Loose teeth
Bad breath
Swelling in the neck
Weight loss in advanced stages

If any of these symptoms last longer than 2 weeks, consult a dentist or cancer specialist immediately.

Early detection can save your life.

6. Precancerous Conditions

Before cancer develops, the mouth often shows warning signs known as precancerous lesions.

6.1 Leukoplakia

White patches that cannot be wiped off. Common in tobacco and alcohol users.

6.2 Erythroplakia

Red patches, often more dangerous than leukoplakia.

6.3 Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF)

A serious condition caused by chewing supari or gutkha.
Symptoms include burning sensation, stiffness, and inability to open the mouth.

OSMF has a very high chance of turning into cancer if left untreated.

7. Dangers of Mouth Cancer

Why is oral cancer dangerous?

It grows silently without symptoms in the early stage
It spreads quickly to lymph nodes in the neck
It affects basic functions like eating, chewing, speaking
Advanced cancers require major surgery
Treatment cost increases significantly in late-stage disease
Late detection reduces survival chances

The earlier the diagnosis, the better the outcome.

8. Diagnosis of Mouth Cancer

If your doctor or dentist suspects mouth cancer, they will perform the following tests:

8.1 Physical Examination

The doctor inspects the mouth, checks for ulcers, lumps, and swollen lymph nodes.

8.2 Biopsy

A small tissue sample is taken and tested under a microscope.
This confirms whether cancer is present.

Types of biopsy:

Incisional biopsy
Excisional biopsy
FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology)

8.3 Imaging Tests

To determine the spread:

MRI
CT scan
PET scan
Ultrasound for lymph nodes

8.4 Endoscopy

Used to examine the throat and nearby structures.

9. Stages of Mouth Cancer

Understanding the stage helps doctors plan treatment.

Stage 0 – Carcinoma in Situ

Abnormal cells present but not yet cancerous.

Stage I

Tumor is small (less than 2 cm) and hasn’t spread.

Stage II

Tumor is 2–4 cm but hasn’t spread to nodes.

Stage III

Tumor above 4 cm or spread to one lymph node.

Stage IV – Advanced Stage

Cancer has spread to:

Multiple lymph nodes
Other parts of the body (lungs, bones, liver)

10. Treatment Options for Mouth Cancer

Treatment depends on the cancer’s size, location, stage, and patient’s overall health. Main treatments include:

10.1 Surgery

Most early-stage cancers are treated with surgery to remove:

Tumor
A margin of healthy tissue
Affected lymph nodes (neck dissection)

For advanced cancer, reconstructive surgery may be required.

10.2 Radiation Therapy

High-energy rays destroy cancer cells.
Used in:

Early-stage cancer
After surgery
When surgery is not possible

10.3 Chemotherapy

Powerful drugs kill cancer cells. Often combined with radiation for advanced cases.

10.4 Targeted Therapy

Drugs attack specific cancer-causing molecules.
Example: Cetuximab.

10.5 Immunotherapy

Boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
Useful in advanced or recurrent cancers.

Examples:

Pembrolizumab
Nivolumab

11. Survival Rate

Survival depends on the stage at diagnosis:

Early detection (Stage I and II): 70–90% survival rate
Late detection (Stage III and IV): 30–40% survival rate

This proves how important early screening is.

12. How to Prevent Mouth Cancer

12.1 Quit Tobacco Completely

Smoking and chewing tobacco are the biggest causes.
Quitting drastically reduces risk.

12.2 Avoid Alcohol

If you cannot stop, at least limit intake.

12.3 Stop Chewing Betel Nut (Supari) & Gutkha

12.4 Maintain Oral Hygiene

Brush and floss daily.

12.5 Regular Dental Checkups

Visit your dentist twice a year, especially if you smoke or drink.

12.6 Eat a Healthy Diet

Include fruits, vegetables, antioxidants.

12.7 Protect Your Lips from Sun

Use lip balm with SPF.

12.8 HPV Vaccination

Reduces risk of HPV-related cancers.

13. Myths vs. Facts About Mouth Cancer

Myth 1: Mouth ulcers always mean cancer.

Fact: Most ulcers are harmless, but those lasting more than 2 weeks must be checked.

Myth 2: Only smokers get mouth cancer.

Fact: Anyone can get it, but smokers are at higher risk.

Myth 3: Mouth cancer isn’t deadly.

Fact: Oral cancer can be fatal if not treated early.

Myth 4: Gutkha and supari are safe without tobacco.

Fact: Areca nut itself is carcinogenic.

14. Why Early Detection Matters

Treatment is simpler
Cost is lower
Survival rate is higher
Prevents major surgery
Better quality of life

15. When To See a Mouth Cancer Specialist?

Consult a cancer specialist like Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit if you have:

Non-healing ulcers
Persistent white or red patches
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Lumps in neck
Mouth stiffness (OSMF)
Any suspicious symptoms lasting 2–3 weeks

Early consultation can save your life.

Conclusion

Mouth cancer is a preventable and treatable disease—if detected early. The major causes such as tobacco, alcohol, betel nut, and poor oral hygiene can be controlled. Awareness, regular dental checkups, and early recognition of symptoms are key.

If you experience any warning signs, consult a dentist or a cancer specialist immediately. Raising awareness and encouraging people to seek early care can significantly reduce the number of deaths from oral cancer.