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.

 
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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