Oral Cancer Specialists in Maharashtra
Oral Cancer is a malignant growth that can develop in any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, and the lining of the cheeks, and is strongly ass…
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What is Oral Cancer?
Oral Cancer is a malignant growth that can develop in any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, and the lining of the cheeks, and is strongly associated with tobacco and alcohol use. It often begins as a white or red patch or a persistent sore that fails to heal, which can be mistaken for minor irritation in its early stages. The disease is particularly prevalent in regions with high rates of smokeless tobacco and betel nut chewing. Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes, while advanced disease can require extensive surgery affecting speech and eating.
Severe
Common in South Asia — one of the most common cancers in India due to smokeless tobacco use
No
Causes of Oral Cancer
Strongly linked to tobacco use in all forms including smoking, chewing tobacco, and betel quid, as well as heavy alcohol consumption, especially when combined with tobacco use. Persistent HPV infection, chronic irritation from ill-fitting dentures, and prolonged sun exposure to the lips are additional recognized risk factors.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
A sore or ulcer in the mouth that doesn't heal, a lump or thickening in the cheek, white or red patches on the gums or tongue, difficulty chewing or swallowing, numbness in the mouth, loose teeth, persistent bad breath, unexplained bleeding in the mouth
Treatment & Types of Oral Cancer in Maharashtra
Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the tumor, often combined with radiation therapy and sometimes chemotherapy depending on the stage and location of the cancer. Reconstructive surgery and speech or swallowing rehabilitation are frequently needed after treatment for larger tumors affecting oral function.
Oral cancer is classified by location within the mouth, including cancers of the tongue, floor of the mouth, gums, cheek lining, and lips, with squamous cell carcinoma being the most common cell type across all these sites. It is also classified by stage, from early localized disease confined to the mouth to advanced disease that has spread to lymph nodes in the neck or beyond.
Medical Oncology Specialists in Maharashtra (1)
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell the difference between a canker sore and oral cancer?
A canker sore typically heals within one to two weeks, while a persistent sore or ulcer in the mouth that doesn't heal after two to three weeks should be evaluated promptly to rule out oral cancer.
Does chewing tobacco cause oral cancer even without smoking?
Yes, smokeless tobacco and betel quid chewing are strongly linked to oral cancer independent of smoking, and combining tobacco use with alcohol further increases risk significantly.
Can HPV cause oral cancer?
Yes, persistent infection with certain strains of human papillomavirus is a recognized risk factor for oral cancer, alongside the more traditional risk factors of tobacco and alcohol use.
What does treatment for oral cancer typically involve?
Treatment usually combines surgical removal of the tumour with radiation therapy and sometimes chemotherapy, and larger tumours affecting oral function often require reconstructive surgery and speech or swallowing rehabilitation afterward.
How often should I get a dental checkup to screen for oral cancer?
Regular dental checkups, generally every six months, allow dentists to examine the mouth for early white or red patches or sores, since early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes.