What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the mouth or throat.
It can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, gums, or roof of the mouth.
This cancer often starts as a sore, lump, or patch that doesn't heal or go away.
It is more common in people over 40 but can affect younger individuals too.
Early symptoms can be subtle, making regular dental checkups important.
🩺 Types of Oral Cancer
1. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
🔹 Most common type (over 90% of oral cancers). Arises from the flat squamous cells lining the mouth and throat. Often linked to tobacco, alcohol, and HPV infection.
2. Verrucous Carcinoma
🔹 A slow-growing subtype of squamous cell carcinoma. Appears as a warty, white or gray mass. Less likely to spread but can grow large if untreated.
3. Minor Salivary Gland Carcinomas
🔹 Originates in the small salivary glands found in the mouth lining and palate. Includes types like mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma. Less common but can be aggressive depending on the type.
4. Lymphoma
🔹 Cancer of the lymphatic tissue in the oral cavity (especially tonsils or base of tongue). More common in people with weakened immune systems.
5. Melanoma (Oral Melanoma)
🔹 A rare type of cancer that starts in pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) of the oral mucosa. Appears as dark brown or black patches or lumps, often on the palate or gums.
6. Sarcomas
🔹 Cancers of connective tissues (bone, muscle, cartilage) in the mouth. Includes types like osteosarcoma (bone) and Kaposi’s sarcoma (more common in HIV/AIDS patients).
🚩 Causes of Oral Cancer
1. Tobacco Use 🚬
Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes
Chewing tobacco, gutkha, khaini, or snuff
Tobacco is the leading cause of oral cancer worldwide.
2. Alcohol Consumption 🍷
Heavy and frequent alcohol intake increases risk
Risk multiplies when combined with tobacco
Alcohol + tobacco = extremely high cancer risk
3. Areca Nut, Betel Nut, Paan 🌿
Common in India and Southeast Asia
Often mixed with tobacco
These are highly carcinogenic to oral tissues.
4. HPV Infection 🦠
Especially HPV-16, linked to oral/throat cancers
Spread through oral sex
Common in younger adults.
5. Poor Oral Hygiene 🪥
Chronic irritation from rough teeth or dentures
Increases cancer susceptibility.
6. Chronic Trauma ⚠️
Constant ulcers, cuts, or sharp teeth
Non-healing wounds may become precancerous.
7. Weakened Immunity 🛡️
HIV/AIDS or long-term immunosuppressive therapy
Reduces body’s defense against cancer.
8. Poor Diet 🥦
Lack of vitamins A, C, E and antioxidants
Reduces tissue protection and healing.
9. Radiation Exposure ☢️
Prolonged sun exposure (lip cancer)
Past head/neck radiation treatments
10. Genetic Factors 🧬
Family history of head/neck cancers
Genetic mutations can increase risk.
How is Oral Cancer Diagnosed?
Oral cancer is diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination and medical tests. Here’s a typical process:
Physical Examination:A doctor or dentist inspects the mouth, throat, tongue, lips, and surrounding tissues for any abnormal lumps, sores, or patches (red or white). They may also feel the neck for swollen lymph nodes.
Biopsy:If suspicious areas are found, a small tissue sample is taken (biopsy) and sent to a lab to check for cancer cells.
Imaging Tests:CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, or X-rays may be used to determine the extent of cancer and whether it has spread to nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
Endoscopy:Sometimes a thin, flexible tube with a camera is used to look deeper into the throat or nasal passages.
Rare Types of Oral Cancer
Minor Salivary Gland Carcinomas:Originates in the small salivary glands found in the mouth lining and palate. Includes types like Mucoepidermoid carcinoma and Adenoid cystic carcinoma. Less common but can be aggressive depending on the subtype.
Lymphoma:Cancer of the lymphatic tissue in the oral cavity, especially the tonsils or base of the tongue. More common in people with weakened immune systems.
Melanoma (Oral Melanoma):A rare cancer that starts in pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) of the oral mucosa. Appears as dark brown or black patches or lumps, often on the palate or gums.
Sarcomas:Cancers of connective tissues such as bone, muscle, and cartilage in the mouth. Includes Osteosarcoma (bone) and Kaposi's sarcoma, which is common in HIV/AIDS patients.
Oral Cancer Symptoms
Persistent Red or White Patches:Unusual red or white areas in the mouth that do not go away.
Non-healing Sores or Ulcers:Open sores that bleed easily and do not heal within two weeks.
Swelling or Lumps:Unexplained swelling, lumps, or thickening in the cheek, gums, or tongue.
Sore Throat or Hoarseness:Persistent sore throat or changes in voice lasting more than two weeks.
Difficulty Chewing or Swallowing:Pain or trouble when chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue.
Sudden Tooth Mobility:Teeth becoming loose without any clear dental cause.
Unexplained Bleeding:Bleeding from the mouth or nose without injury.
Oral Cancer Risk Factors
Smoking or chewing tobacco significantly increases the risk of developing oral cancer.
Alcohol abuse, especially when combined with tobacco, greatly heightens cancer risk.
Common in South Asia, this habit is strongly linked to oral cancers.
HPV-16 is a known cause of oral and throat cancers, especially in younger adults.
Neglected dental care and chronic irritation increase oral cancer risk.
Ill-fitting dentures or sharp teeth can cause persistent trauma and lead to cancer.
A family history of oral or head and neck cancers increases personal risk.
Excessive sun exposure can lead to lip cancers, especially in outdoor workers.
Low intake of antioxidants and vitamins (A, C, E) may weaken cancer defenses.
HIV/AIDS or long-term immunosuppressive therapy raises the likelihood of cancer development.
🦷 Oral Cancer – Frequently Asked Questions
Oral cancer refers to cancer that develops in any part of the mouth — including the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor or roof of the mouth, and throat (oropharynx).
- Tobacco use (smoking and smokeless tobacco)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- HPV infection (especially HPV-16)
- Sun exposure (lip cancer)
- Poor oral hygiene
- Weakened immune system
- A sore in the mouth that doesn’t heal
- A lump or thickening in the cheek or tongue
- White or red patches in the mouth
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- Numbness in the mouth or lips
- Persistent bad breath
- Jaw stiffness or swelling
📌 If symptoms last more than 2 weeks, see a healthcare professional.
- Oral exam by a dentist or doctor
- Biopsy of any suspicious area
- Imaging tests (CT scan, MRI, PET scan) to check spread
- Use tobacco in any form
- Drink alcohol heavily
- Are infected with HPV
- Are over age 40
- Have prolonged sun exposure to the lips
- Have poor diet or oral hygiene
Yes, if detected early, oral cancer can be treated successfully. Treatment becomes more complex as it spreads.
- Surgery to remove tumors
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted or immunotherapy (in some cases)
- Speech and swallowing therapy for rehabilitation
- Quit tobacco and limit alcohol
- Practice safe sex and get the HPV vaccine
- Use lip balm with SPF
- Visit your dentist regularly
- Maintain good oral hygiene and nutrition
Yes — routine dental checkups often include an oral cancer screening. Dentists check for sores, lumps, and tissue changes.
- 85% if caught early (localized)
- 66% if it has spread to nearby tissues
- 40% or less if it has spread widely
