10/08/2026
Oral cancer is a malignant growth that can develop on the tongue, lips, floor of the mouth, inner cheeks, gums, hard palate, or other oral tissues. Most oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, and early detection greatly improves treatment outcomes.
πΉ Common causes / risk factors
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β To***co use β smoking, chewing to***co, s***f, or other smokeless to***co
β Heavy alcohol use
β Combined to***co and alcohol use greatly increases risk
β HPV infection, particularly for cancers of the oropharynx
β Betel quid / areca nut use
β Increasing age
β Previous oral cancer or precancerous lesions
β Excessive sun exposure increases the risk of lip cancer
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πΉ Common signs
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β Mouth ulcer that does not heal
β Red or white patch in the mouth
β Persistent lump, thickening, or swelling
β Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
β Persistent mouth or tongue pain
β Difficulty chewing or swallowing
β Numbness of the lip, tongue, or other oral area
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πΉ Other warning signs
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β Persistent sore throat
β Hoarse voice
β Feeling that something is stuck in the throat
β Unexplained loose tooth
β Poorly fitting denture due to a new swelling
β Difficulty moving the tongue or jaw
β Lump in the neck
β Unexplained weight loss in more advanced disease
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πΉ High-risk oral lesions
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β Leukoplakia β persistent white patch that cannot be rubbed off
β Erythroplakia β persistent red patch with higher risk of dysplasia or cancer
β Mixed red-and-white lesions
β Persistent ulcer with induration or rolled margins
β Any suspicious lesion persisting for around 2β3 weeks should be assessed
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πΉ Diagnosis
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β Careful examination of the mouth and neck
β Biopsy is required for definitive diagnosis
β CT or MRI may assess local spread
β PET-CT may be used in selected patients for staging
β Neck imaging evaluates lymph-node involvement
β HPV testing may be performed for appropriate oropharyngeal cancers
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πΉ Core management
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β Treatment depends on the site, size, stage, and overall health
β Surgery is commonly used for localized oral cavity cancers
β Radiation therapy may be used alone or after surgery
β Chemotherapy may be combined with radiation in more advanced disease
β Targeted therapy or immunotherapy may be used in selected advanced or recurrent cancers
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πΉ Surgical management
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β Removal of the tumour with an adequate margin
β Neck dissection may be required if lymph nodes are involved or at significant risk
β Reconstructive surgery may restore speech, swallowing, or appearance
β Dental and nutritional assessment is often important before treatment
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πΉ Supportive / rehabilitation care
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β Speech and swallowing therapy
β Nutritional support
β Dental care before and after treatment
β Pain management
β Management of dry mouth after radiation
β Smoking and alcohol cessation support
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πΉ What not to do
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β Donβt ignore an oral ulcer lasting more than a few weeks
β Donβt assume every white or red patch is harmless
β Donβt continue to***co or betel/areca nut use
β Donβt repeatedly treat a persistent lesion with home remedies without evaluation
β Donβt delay biopsy of a suspicious lesion
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πΉ Possible complications
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β Spread to neck lymph nodes
β Difficulty speaking or swallowing
β Malnutrition
β Facial or jaw involvement
β Recurrence after treatment
β Distant metastasis in advanced disease
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πΉ When to see a doctor / dentist
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β Mouth ulcer persisting beyond 2β3 weeks
β Persistent red or white patch
β Unexplained oral lump or swelling
β Persistent numbness or pain
β Difficulty swallowing or moving the tongue
β New unexplained neck lump
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πΉ Emergency / referral warning
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β Severe difficulty breathing or swallowing
β Heavy uncontrolled oral bleeding
β Rapidly increasing mouth or neck swelling
β Inability to maintain hydration or nutrition
β These require urgent medical assessment
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πΉ High-Yield Points
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β Most oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas
β To***co, alcohol, and betel/areca nut are major risk factors
β A non-healing oral ulcer is an important warning sign
β Biopsy confirms the diagnosis
β Early detection significantly improves treatment options and outcomes
Medical disclaimer: This note is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
