What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is abnormal growth of cells in any part of mouth or oral cavity.

Oral cavity includes:

  • Lips
  • Inside of mouth
  • Gums Teeth and Tongue
  • Smoking Tobacco – cigarette, cigar, pipe Smokeless Tobacco – chewing, snuff Excessive Alcohol consumption Mouth irritation – sharp teeth or dentures.
  • Sun exposure or Radiation
  • Poor nutrition or Reduced Immunity
  • Viral Infection (Human Papilloma Virus)

Can screening detect early cancer?

Yes. There is a pre-cancer stage. It can be detected by self-examination of mouth or routine dental examination.

  • White or Red patch
  • Sore in the mouth that bleeds or does not heal
  • Lump or thickening Feeling of Roughness or Stiffness inside mouth late symptoms of oral cancer
  • Difficulty in chewing and swallow
  • Pain and Loosening of teeth
  • Numbness or persistent bad breath
  • Weight loss

Treatment

  • Surgery
  • Radiation Therapy
  • Chemotherapy