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Oral (Mouth) Cancer
Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, gums or lining of the mouth. Found early it is very treatable, so any sore or patch that lasts more than three weeks should be checked.
Causes & risk factors
- Tobacco in any form — smoking, chewing or paan
- Areca nut / betel quid
- Heavy alcohol use (worse combined with tobacco)
- HPV infection
- Long sun exposure (for lip cancer)
- Poor diet and poor oral hygiene
Common symptoms
- A mouth ulcer or sore that will not heal
- A red or white patch inside the mouth
- A lump in the mouth, lip or neck
- Persistent sore throat or hoarse voice
- Pain or difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Swollen glands in the neck
Tests & diagnosis
- Examination of the mouth and neck
- Biopsy of the abnormal area
- CT or MRI for staging
- Endoscopy of the throat
Treatment & management
- Surgery to remove the tumour
- Radiotherapy
- Chemotherapy for larger or spread cancers
- Targeted therapy in some cases
- Stopping tobacco and alcohol improves outcomes
When to see a doctor urgently
- A mouth ulcer, lump or red/white patch lasting over three weeks
- Persistent hoarseness or difficulty swallowing
- An unexplained lump in the neck
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about oral (mouth) cancer. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Are mouth ulcers usually cancer?
No — most are harmless and heal within two weeks. But an ulcer, lump or patch that lasts longer than three weeks should be checked by a dentist or doctor.
Does chewing tobacco really cause cancer?
Yes. Chewed tobacco, areca nut and betel quid are major causes of mouth cancer. Stopping greatly lowers your risk.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.