Oral cancer is a major problem in the Indian subcontinent where it ranks among the top three types of cancer in the country. Incidence of oral cancer in India is highest in world. It is roughly 20 per 100,000 population and accounts for over 30% of all cancers in the country.
Oral cancer refers to all cancers of the oral cavity, which includes the following:
- lips
- tongue
- gums (gingiva)
- lining inside the lips and cheeks (labial mucosa and buccal mucosa)
- floor of the mouth
- roof of the mouth (palate)
- the area behind the wisdom teeth(retromolar trigone)
Most oral cancers are located on the sides of the buccal mucosa, lower alveolus and tongue.
Oral cancer symptoms include:
- a sore on the lip or in the mouth that does not heal, after 2 weeks
- a lump on the lip or in the mouth or throat
- a white(leukoplakia) or red(erythroplakia) patch on the buccal mucosa, palate and tongue
- unusual bleeding, pain or numbness in the mouth
- a sore throat that does not go away, or a feeling that something is caught in the throat
- difficulty or pain with chewing, swallowing, talking
- swelling of the jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable
- a change in the voice and/or pain in the ear
- swelling in neck
Early Detection of Oral Cancer
Self-Examination of oral cavity can detect oral lesions at an early stage. All habitual tobacco users should do it once a month
How to do it:
- Rinse the mouth with water and stand before a mirror in adequate light
- Look in the mirror for any abnormal white or red patch, ulcer or roughened area, granular area or swelling in the mouth
- If any such area is seen, the suspicious area should be felt with the fingers. Normal oral mucosal is soft and pink.
- Consult a doctor if you find any abnormal area.
