Also called oral cancer, it is one of the most common types and can affect various parts of the mouth including the lips, tongue, floor and roof of the mouth, gums, and inside of the cheeks.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Symptoms can include:

• A lump in mouth, lip, neck, or throat
• A mouth ulcer that has lasted for more than three weeks
• A red/white patch inside the mouth
• Persistent pain or bleeding in the mouth and/or difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty speaking or a hoarse voice
• Unexplained weight loss

Having the symptoms does not definitely mean one has mouth cancer, but it's important to get checked by specialist.

Risk Factors for Progression

The cause of oral cancer differs and is not clearly established. However, there are a few risk factors that can result in the onset:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco, betel nut or paan
• Consuming large quantities of alcohol (~ 14 units/week)
• Previous history of cancer
• Weak immune system or HIV+, AIDS or are on immunosuppressants
• Overexposure to UV rays
• A growth or swelling of the jaw

Tongue Cancer

It is a type of oral cancer when the cells which make up the tongue, grow out of control and form ulcers or tumours which may be malignant. Cancer can develop in any part of the tongue.

Recognizing the symptoms

• Red, white, or dark patches on the tongue
• Recurrent sore throat
• Recurrent sore spots (ulcers) or lumps on the tongue
• Pain while swallowing
• Numbness in the mouth
• Bleeding from the tongue

Risk Factors for Progression

Though it can affect anyone, most cases are linked to prolonged/excess tobacco and alcohol use. It is also essential to get dental appointments regularly as it might help detect tongue cancer in the early stages.

Early Detection

Early detection can help achieve treatment goals better, preserve the appearance and function of the tongue or any, and prevent relapse as much as possible.

Salivary Gland Cancer

The salivary glands consist of 3 pairs of major glands that help produce saliva. Most small salivary gland tumors begin in the palate (roof of the mouth). More than half of all salivary gland tumors are benign (not cancerous) and do not spread to other tissues.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Some common signs include:

• A lump (usually painless) in the area of the ear, cheek, jaw, lip, or inside the mouth
• Fluid draining from the ear
• Trouble swallowing or opening the mouth widely
• Numbness or weakness in the face
• Pain in the face that does not go away
• Difficulty in moving the jaw

Risk Factors for Progression

• Chewing and smoking tobacco
• History of Radiation Exposure
• Sustained exposure to certain metals such as nickel alloy dust, silica dust, or asbestos
• Prolonged exposure in dealing with rubber manufacturing plants or with plumbing equipment

Early Detection

Making an accurate diagnosis early on helps drastically improve treatment outcomes and the patient’s quality of life.