Oral or mouth cancer is an ulcer or tumorous growth in the oral cavity and the back of the throat. It can develop anywhere in the mouth, including the tongue, palate, the floor of the mouth, the tissue lining the mouth and gum, and the throat. Over 80% of the global oral cancer cases are present in our country, making it one of the most common cancers in India. The incidence of oral cancer is increasing, and the most distressing matter is its occurrence in the youth generation. The most common cause of oral cancer is an improper lifestyle, such as tobacco consumption. People most commonly consume tobacco in chewable or smoking form. In India, a larger population consumes tobacco due to peer pressure and addiction. Symptoms of oral cancer If you are suffering from any of the following symptoms for more than two weeks, consult your doctor:

Single or many white or red patches in your mouth and on your lips
An ulcer or lump in your mouth that doesn’t disappear after two weeks
Unexplained pain in your mouth, throat, or ear
A lump or swelling in the cheek area
A continuous feeling of something is present in the throat
Sore throat and hoarseness
Difficulty in chewing and swallowing
Difficulty in movement of the jaw
Numbness in areas of the mouth

Stats of oral cancer in India According to the latest analysis, the following are the statics on oral cancer in India:

It is the second most common cancer in men
Oral cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women
Oral cancer cases account for 20% of all cancer cases in India
60-80% of oral cancer patients have an advanced stage when diagnosed

Risk factors of oral cancer Different types of cancers have various risk factors. The following are the few common risk factors for oral cavity cancers:

Tobacco: Various forms of tobacco are the most common trigger factor for oral and oropharyngeal cancer. Most diagnosed people with oral cancer have a history of long-term tobacco abuse in various forms, including smoking, sniffing, or chewing. People who use chewable tobacco have an increased chance of developing cancers of the cheek, inner surface of lips, and gums, due to the habit of placing tobacco in one place.
Consuming alcohol: Excessive drinking increases the risk of oral and oropharyngeal cancers. Smoking and drinking alcohol parallelly increases the risk of oral cancer by many folds.
Betal quid: Many people have the habit of chewing betel quid (paan) or gutka (mixture of betel quid and tobacco). These tobacco products increase the risk of cancer of the mouth.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: Cancer of the oropharynx, especially the base of the tongue and tonsils, can be due to HPV type 16 (HPV16),
Age and gender: oral cancers generally develop in older, but HPV-associated cancers can occur in younger individuals. Due to the high indulgence of alcohol and tobacco use, men have a higher prevalence of oral and oropharyngeal cancers.
Poor nutrition: According to various studies, a person who eats a diet deficient in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants has a higher chance of developing different cancer, including oral and oropharyngeal cancer.
Irritants: According to many researchers, long-term irritation of the mucosa of the mouth due to ill-fitting dentures or high alcohol content containing mouthwash use can trigger oral cancers.

The early detection and prompt treatment decrease morbidity and mortality due to oral cancers. Fortunately, there is a tremendous advancement in the treatment approach of oral and head-neck cancer, which improves treatment outcomes, rehabilitation, and reconstruction with superior surgical and medical facilities.