🔍 What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer refers to cancers that develop in any part of the oral cavity, including:
Lips
Gums
Tongue (front two-thirds)
Inner lining of cheeks
Roof or floor of the mouth
Most cases are squamous cell carcinomas — aggressive cancers that begin in the thin, flat cells lining the mouth.
🩺 Risk is rising due to both traditional causes (like tobacco) and newer ones like HPV (Human Papillomavirus).
⚠️ 7 Early Warning Signs That Should Never Be Ignored
These symptoms don’t mean you have cancer — but they do need evaluation by a dentist or doctor if they last more than two weeks.
Sores That Don’t Heal
A mouth ulcer or open wound that persists
Often mistaken for a canker sore — but doesn’t go away
May bleed easily
🛑 One of the most common early signs.
Red or White Patches
Leukoplakia (white patches) or erythroplakia (red, slightly raised patches)
Can appear on gums, tongue, or inside cheeks
Erythroplakia is especially concerning — often precancerous
🦷 Dentists check for these during routine exams.
Lumps or Thickening in the Mouth or Neck
A bump on the lip, gum, or side of the tongue
Swelling in the jaw or neck (could indicate lymph node involvement)
✅ Check monthly — know what’s normal for you.
Persistent Pain or Numbness
Ongoing mouth pain, even without visible injury
Numbness in the tongue, lips, or face
Feeling like something is stuck in your throat
🧠 Could signal nerve involvement.
Difficulty Chewing, Swallowing, or Speaking
Trouble moving the jaw or tongue
Sudden slurring or discomfort when eating
Feels like food “catches” unexpectedly
⚠️ Not typical with aging — investigate changes.
Loose Teeth Without Cause
Teeth become loose without gum disease or trauma
May be due to tumor growth affecting the jawbone
🩺 Especially concerning if only one tooth is affected.
Ear Pain or Persistent Sore Throat
Referred pain from tumors in the back of the mouth or throat
Often accompanied by swallowing difficulty
❗ In HPV-related cancers, ear pain may be an early clue.
🧬 Who Is at Higher Risk?
✅ Tobacco Use (Smoking or Chewing)
The #1 cause — accounts for nearly 80% of cases
✅ Heavy Alcohol Use
Increases risk; combined with tobacco, danger multiplies up to 30x
✅ HPV Infection (Especially Type 16)
Now linked to oropharyngeal cancers — rising in younger adults
✅ Sun Exposure
Increases risk of lip cancer (especially lower lip)
✅ Poor Diet
Low intake of fruits and vegetables linked to higher risk
✅ Age Over 55
Most cases occur in older adults — but HPV-related cases affect younger people
💡 Even non-smokers can develop oral cancer.
