Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is the most common cancer amongst Indian males and a leading cancer amongst females as well. Tongue cancers and cancers of the inner lining of the cheek are the most common cancers.

Signs & Symptoms

• Non-healing ulcer
• Bleeding from an ulcer while brushing or rubbing or while eating
• Reddish or whitish patch
• Growth of the ulcer or patch
• Loose Teeth
• Recently ill-fitting dentures
• Mass in the neck (from spread to lymph nodes in the neck)

It Includes

• The oral tongue (anterior 2/3rd of the tongue)
• The buccal mucosa (inner lining of the cheek)
• The floor of the mouth
• The hard palate
• The alveolus (teeth bearing areas of the jaw and upper bone)
• The lips

Risk Factors

• Tobacco – masala, guthka, chewing tobacco, paan, beedi or cigarettes – all are causative factors
• Alcohol – Individuals that smoke and drink regularly are 50-100 times more at risk of developing oral cancer
• Irritants – oral habits such a paan masala without tobacco, lime paste can lead to oral cancer
• Trauma – constant trauma such as that from a sharp tooth can cause oral cancer
• Sun Exposure – leads to lower lip cancers

Consult Dr. Vishal Choksi, one of the best head and neck surgeon for oral cancer.