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.