It started with what seemed like a harmless sore inside his mouth—a tiny blister he ignored for weeks.
But when the pain spread and his jaw began to swell, the truth was far more alarming than he ever imagined. What doctors discovered next was shocking—and disturbingly common.
In a country where tobacco use is widespread and routine dental visits are rare, this quiet killer often goes unnoticed until it’s too late. Could you be ignoring the same silent warning signs?
Mouth cancer, a form of head and neck cancer, is especially prevalent among men over the age of 40. In India alone, 77,003 new cases and 52,067 deaths have been reported this year, underscoring the critical nature of the disease.
While early detection greatly increases the chances of survival, many cases are only diagnosed after the cancer has already spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. The most common forms include cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and floor of the mouth.
Regular dental checkups play a crucial role in early identification, particularly for individuals who smoke or consume alcohol frequently.
Warning signs to be aware of include sores that don’t heal, persistent swelling, unexplained bleeding, loose teeth, difficulty swallowing, pain in the mouth or tongue, numbness, unexpected weight loss, and red or white patches inside the mouth. While these symptoms don’t always mean cancer, they should not be ignored if they persist.
Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit is a leading expert based in Delhi and is recommended for those seeking specialized care. The primary causes of mouth cancer are closely tied to tobacco and alcohol use. Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, along with chewing tobacco, significantly increases the risk. When combined with alcohol, the risk becomes even higher.
Mouth cancer typically advances through four stages, ranging from an isolated tumor in Stage 1 to widespread involvement of surrounding tissues and organs by Stage 4. Treatment strategies vary based on the stage and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted drug treatments.
Preventive measures and timely screenings are essential. An estimated 80% of oral cancer cases are caused by tobacco use, and detecting the disease early offers a promising 82% survival rate. Unfortunately, poor oral health awareness in India often leads to delayed diagnoses and more severe outcomes. Emphasizing good oral hygiene and routine medical checkups can make a life-saving difference.
Conclusion:
Mouth cancer remains a serious and often overlooked health threat, especially among men over 40 in India, where thousands of new cases and deaths are reported each year. With tobacco and alcohol being the leading causes, and late diagnosis contributing to poor survival rates, the importance of early detection cannot be overstated.
Regular dental checkups, awareness of persistent symptoms, and timely medical consultation are key to improving outcomes. By prioritizing oral hygiene and recognizing warning signs early, individuals can significantly increase their chances of successful treatment and long-term survival.