Mouth cancer, also called oral cancer, is a type of head and neck cancer often found in men over 40. The article notes that “India records around 77,000 new cases and 52,000 deaths annually.” Common types include lip, tongue, and inner cheek cancer.

Key symptoms include “a sore or blister that doesn’t heal,” mouth bleeding, loose teeth, pain while chewing, lumps in the neck, and “red or white patches inside the mouth.” Early detection improves survival—“about 82% when found early, but only 27% in later stages.”

The main causes are “tobacco use in any form” and heavy drinking, accounting for “around 80% of cases.”

Cancer stages range from stage 1, where “the tumor is under an inch,” to stage 4, when it has spread to other body parts.

Treatment options include “surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy.” The article stresses that maintaining oral hygiene, avoiding tobacco, and having regular dental checkups are vital for prevention, urging readers not to ignore unusual mouth symptoms.