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