Oral Cancer
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Oral Cancer
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer refers to cancer that develops in the mouth or throat tissues. It can occur on the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx (throat). Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer and is especially common in India due to the widespread use of tobacco in various forms.
Early diagnosis and timely treatment significantly improve the survival rate and quality of life.
Common Areas Affected
- Tongue
- Inner cheeks
- Lips
- Gums
- Roof and floor of the mouth
- Back of the throat (oropharynx)
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Symptoms might be mild in the early stages. Key signs include:
- A persistent sore or ulcer in the mouth that doesn’t heal
- Red or white patches inside the mouth
- Lumps or thickened tissues in the cheek, lips, or neck
- Difficulty in chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue or jaw
- Numbness in the tongue or other areas of the mouth
- Voice changes or persistent sore throat
- Bleeding in the mouth without reason
- Loose teeth or poorly fitting dentures
- Ear pain without infection
- Unexplained weight loss
Note: Any mouth lesion or sore lasting more than two weeks should be examined by a doctor.
Risk Factors
- Tobacco use – smoking cigarettes, bidis, or using smokeless tobacco (gutka, paan, khaini)
- Alcohol consumption
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Poor oral hygiene
- Diet low in fruits and vegetables
- Chronic irritation (e.g., from rough teeth or ill-fitting dentures)
- Prolonged sun exposure (for lip cancer)
- Weakened immune system
Types of Oral Cancer
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (most common)
- Verrucous Carcinoma (slow-growing)
- Minor Salivary Gland Cancers
- Lymphomas and Sarcomas (less common)
Diagnosis
- Clinical Examination – Thorough mouth and throat examination
- Biopsy – Confirmatory test by removing tissue for analysis
- Endoscopy – Examining the throat and nearby structures
- Imaging Tests:
- CT Scan
- MRI
- PET-CT Scan
- X-rays (to detect jaw involvement)
Staging of Oral Cancer
- Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ) – Abnormal cells, not yet cancer
- Stage I & II – Cancer confined to oral tissues, smaller size
- Stage III – Larger tumours or cancer spread to one lymph node
- Stage IV – L Cancer has spread to multiple lymph nodes or distant organs
Treatment Options at Onco-Life Cancer Centre
- Surgery
- Main treatment for early-stage cancers
- Wide Local Excision – Removal of the tumor and surrounding tissue
- Neck Dissection – If lymph nodes are involved
- Reconstructive Surgery – To restore appearance and function (jaw, tongue, face)
- Radiation Therapy
- Often used after surgery or as primary treatment
- External Beam Radiation and Tomotherapy available
- Chemotherapy
- Used for advanced cancers or alongside radiation (chemoradiation)
- Targeted Therapy
- Focuses on specific genetic mutations in cancer cells
- Immunotherapy
- Uses body’s immune system to fight advanced or recurrent oral cancers
- Supportive Care
- Speech therapy
- Swallowing therapy
- Nutritional support
- Pain management
- Psychological counselling
Rehabilitation After Treatment
Recovery may involve:- Learning to speak and swallow again (speech therapy)
- Reconstructive surgeries
- Emotional and social support
- Dental and nutritional care
Prevention Tips
- Avoid tobacco in all forms
- Limit alcohol intake
- Maintain oral hygiene
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Regular dental check-ups
- HPV vaccination (for prevention of related oropharyngeal cancers)
Most Popular Questions
Oral Cancer
1. Is oral cancer curable?
Yes, especially when detected early. The cure rate for early-stage oral cancer is high.
2. How long does it take for oral cancer to develop?
It may take months or years. Early signs like ulcers or patches should be checked promptly.
3. Can non-smokers get oral cancer?
Yes, especially those with poor oral hygiene, HPV infection, or high alcohol intake.
4. Does oral cancer spread quickly?
Aggressive types can spread to lymph nodes and other organs if not treated early.
5. What is leucoplakia?
A white patch in the mouth that can be precancerous and needs medical attention.
6. Is oral cancer painful?
Not always initially. Pain may develop as the tumour grows or ulcerates.
7. Can oral cancer be detected in a dental check-up?
Yes. Dentists can spot suspicious lesions during regular check-ups.
8. How is oral cancer staged?
Based on tumor size, lymph node involvement, and distant spread (TNM staging).
9. What are the survival rates for oral cancer?
Survival is over 80% in early stages but decreases in advanced stages.
10. Is surgery always required?
Not always. Early lesions may be treated with laser or radiation, but surgery is often needed.
11. Can oral cancer return after treatment?
Yes, recurrence is possible. Follow-ups and lifestyle changes help reduce risk.
12. Are all mouth ulcers cancerous?
No. Most are benign but should be checked if they persist beyond 2 weeks.
13. Is a biopsy painful?
It is a minor procedure usually done under local anaesthesia and is not very painful.
14. Can dentures cause oral cancer?
Not directly, but ill-fitting dentures causing chronic irritation can increase risk.
15. Does oral cancer affect speech?
Yes, especially if the tongue or jaw is involved. Speech therapy helps in recovery.
16. Can you eat normally after oral cancer treatment?
Depends on surgery and radiation impact; dietary counselling is often provided.
17. Is radiotherapy painful?
The treatment itself is painless, but it may cause mouth sores and dryness later.
18. How often should high-risk individuals get screened?
At least once a year or more frequently if advised by a specialist.
19. What is the role of HPV in oral cancer?
HPV is linked to throat (oropharyngeal) cancers, especially in younger non-smokers.
20. Where can I find emotional support?
At Onco-Life, we offer psychological counselling, support groups, and helplines for patients and families.
