Cancer care at ZenHeal
Mouth Cancer: symptoms, tests and treatment
Mouth (oral) cancer starts in the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth or palate. It is one of the most common cancers in Uttar Pradesh, largely because of gutka, khaini, paan and smoking. Found early, it is often curable with surgery alone.
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Warning signs of mouth cancer
- A mouth ulcer or sore that has not healed in 2 to 3 weeks
- A white or red patch on the gums, tongue or inner cheek
- A lump or thickening in the cheek or neck
- Difficulty opening the mouth fully, chewing or swallowing
- Loose teeth or dentures that no longer fit
- Numbness, pain or bleeding in the mouth without a clear cause
These signs often have other causes. If one lasts more than two to three weeks, see a doctor and get it checked.
Who is at higher risk
- Chewing tobacco, gutka, khaini or paan with tobacco
- Smoking bidis or cigarettes
- Regular alcohol use
- Sharp teeth rubbing on the same spot for months
- HPV infection (for some throat cancers)
How mouth cancer is diagnosed
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1
Examination
A head and neck specialist looks at the mouth and feels the neck for swollen lymph nodes.
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2
Biopsy
A small piece of the suspicious area is removed and checked under a microscope. This is the only way to confirm cancer.
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3
Imaging
CT or MRI shows how deep the tumour goes and whether the jaw bone or neck nodes are involved. PET-CT may be used for advanced disease.
Treatment options
The right plan depends on the stage, the type of cancer and your overall health. Most patients receive more than one of these.
Surgery
The main treatment. The tumour is removed with a margin of healthy tissue, often with the lymph nodes of the neck. Reconstruction restores the shape of the face and helps with speech and eating.
Radiotherapy
Given after surgery when there is a higher chance of the cancer coming back, or as the main treatment when surgery is not possible.
Chemotherapy
Usually combined with radiotherapy for advanced cancers, or used to shrink a tumour before other treatment.
Mouth Cancer treatment at ZenHeal
At Prayagraj, a dedicated head and neck onco-surgeon operates on mouth, tongue and jaw cancers, including reconstruction. Radiation oncologists at both hospitals plan radiotherapy after surgery, so treatment continues without moving to another city.
Doctors who treat mouth cancer
Common questions about mouth cancer
Early mouth cancer (stage 1 and 2) is often cured with surgery, sometimes followed by radiotherapy. Outcomes are lower in advanced stages, which is why any ulcer lasting more than 2 to 3 weeks should be checked.
Most patients eat and speak again after recovery. Reconstruction and speech and swallowing exercises help a lot. The surgeon will explain what to expect for your specific operation.
Yes. Stopping tobacco and alcohol improves healing after surgery, makes radiotherapy work better and lowers the risk of a second cancer.
Other cancer types
Diagnosed or worried about mouth cancer?
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