Oral Cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer worldwide. In India, Oral Cancer ranks among the top three types of cancer accounting for 30% of all cancers reported. The incidence of cancer is more in males when compared to females.

We also know Oral Cancer as mouth cancer which develops from any part of the mouth. Oral Cancer can occur on the lips, cheek, tongue, gums, the floor of the mouth, palate, small areas behind the wisdom teeth.

Causes of Oral Cancer:

The various causes of Oral Cancer are as follows

• Using tobacco or smokeless tobacco
• Drinking alcohol
• Human papillomavirus infections
• Sun exposure

Symptoms of Oral Cancer: the symptoms of Oral Cancer include

• A sore in the mouth that do not heal
• White or red patches in the mouth
• Sore throat or a feeling of something caught in your throat
• A Lump in the neck
• Lump or thickening of the lips, cheeks, or areas inside the mouth
• Difficulty in chewing, swallowing, and speaking
• Hoarseness or change in voice
• Difficulty in moving jaw or tongue
• Unexplained bleeding or numbness in the mouth
• Ear pain
• Unexpected weight loss
• Swelling of the jaw causing ill-fitting of dentures

It is advised to seek medical attention if the symptoms persist for over two weeks.

Diagnosis of Oral Cancer: Early diagnosis gives the best chance for successful treatment. Proper examination is necessary for early diagnosis. The following are the tests used to diagnose Oral Cancer.

• Physical examination by dentist or doctors
• Biopsy
• Endoscopy
• Mucosal staining using toluidine blue stain
• Imaging test: X-ray, CT scan, MRI scan, and PET CT scan.

Treatment of Oral Cancer:

It depends on the type, size, and stage of cancer. Oral Cancer is treated through surgery or radiotherapy or chemotherapy or targeted therapy or in a combination of the above therapies.

Preventive measures for Oral Cancer:

Some of the ways to minimize the risk of developing Oral Cancer include

• Quit using all forms of tobacco.
• Quit drinking alcohol or drink in moderation.
• Limit exposure to sun and use UV-A/B –blocking sun-protective lotions on skin and lips.
• Eating a well-balanced diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables.
• Follow regular dental checkups.