Oral Cancer: What You Need to Know

Oral (mouth) cancer is a type of head-and-neck malignancy, often diagnosed after age 40,

with men being more affected. In India this year alone, over 77,000 new cases and 52,000 deaths have been reported.

Why early detection is critical:
Many tumors are found only after spreading to lymph nodes, reducing survival chances. Early-stage detection greatly improves cure rates.

Common cancer sites:

Lips

Tongue

Inner cheeks (buccal mucosa)

Gums

Floor of the mouth

Warning signs:

Persistent ulcers or sores

Red, white, or mixed patches

Lumps, bleeding, numbness

Difficulty chewing or swallowing

Prevention tips:

Get oral exams twice yearly

Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and betel nut

Protect lips from sun

Consider HPV vaccination

When to seek help:
See a dentist or oncologist if any lesion lasts over two weeks. Experts like Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit,

specializing in oral cancers, offer comprehensive diagnosis and treatment—surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy as needed.

Bottom line: Vigilance, routine checkups, and early specialist care can save lives.