Mouth cancer, a type of head and neck cancer, mostly affects men over 40. In India alone, “77,003 new cases of mouth cancer have been registered this year and 52,067 people have died.” Early detection greatly improves survival chances, especially before it spreads to the lymph nodes.

Types include lip, tongue, cheek, gum, and lower mouth cancers. Dentists recommend, “At least twice a year, get your mouth examined by your doctor.” Early stages often show no symptoms, but those who smoke or drink should have regular checkups.

Common symptoms include “non-healing blisters,” “bleeding from the mouth,” “loose tooth,” “difficulty swallowing,” “earache,” and “red and white patches on the mouth or lips.” These signs don’t always mean cancer, but if they persist, it’s vital to see a doctor.

Main causes include smoking, “consumption of tobacco in any form,” and “drinking alcohol in excess.” Avoiding these greatly reduces risk.

Cancer progresses through four stages—from a small, localized tumor in stage 1 to widespread growth in stage 4 that may reach nearby tissues and lymph nodes. Detecting it early and getting proper treatment can make a life-saving difference.