Oral cancer is one of the highly prevalent cancer in India. Common causes of cancer are smoking/chewing tobacco, sharp teeth or other factors that may cause constant irritation of the soft tissues.
Oral Cancers starts as non healing ulcers that appears as red or white patches. This is the predecessor of cancer called precancer lesion or condition (like leucoplakia, OSMF etc,). It generally occurs on the floor of the mouth, cheek lining, gingiva (gums), lips, or palate (roof of the mouth). Other symptoms may include swelling that persists for over 3 weeks, a lump or thickening of the skin or lining of the mouth, Pain or difficulty when swallowing, jaw pain or stiffness, painful tongue. Having any of these symptoms does not mean that a person has mouth cancer, but it is worth checking with a doctor. Early detection of cancer is essential in saving many lives.
