Oral (Mouth) Cancer

Cancer of the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums or floor of the mouth. It's one of the most common cancers in Indian men, mainly due to tobacco.

CancerLast updated: 21 October 2026

Quick Summary

Primary Symptoms

A mouth ulcer that doesn't heal in 3 weeks, white or red patches, a lump, pain, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and loose teeth.

Common Treatments

Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Early detection greatly improves survival.

Risk Factors

Chewing tobacco, gutka, paan with tobacco, smoking, areca nut, alcohol and HPV infection.

OverviewSymptomsCausesTreatmentFAQ

Overview

India has one of the highest rates of oral cancer in the world, strongly linked to smokeless tobacco and areca nut.

Pre-cancerous patches (leukoplakia, erythroplakia) and stiffness of the mouth (oral submucous fibrosis) can be found early. Stopping tobacco lowers risk.

Symptoms

Non-healing ulcer

Lasting more than three weeks.

White or red patches

Inside the mouth.

Lump or thickening

In the cheek or tongue.

Difficulty opening mouth

Stiffness from submucous fibrosis.

Causes & Risk Factors

Biological Causes

DNA damage in mouth cells from tobacco, areca nut and alcohol.

Key Risk Factors

  • Tobacco Chewing and smoking.
  • Areca nut Supari, even without tobacco.
  • Alcohol Especially with tobacco.

Management & Treatment

01. Surgery

Removing the tumour.

02. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy

Alone or combined.

03. Rehabilitation

Speech and swallowing therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can oral cancer be prevented?
Avoiding tobacco, areca nut and alcohol greatly lowers risk.
Who should get checked?
Anyone using tobacco should have regular mouth checks.

Sources and further reading

Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.