The mouth (oral cavity) is the beginning of the digestive tract, serving as the connection between the inside and outside of the body. It includes the lips, cheeks, teeth, gums, soft and hard palate, tongue, tonsils, and salivary glands.

Oral cancer is a malignant disease that can develop in any part of this cavity. Because its symptoms often resemble those of common mouth infections or inflammation, it is frequently diagnosed only in the later stages.

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Stages of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is divided into four stages based on the tumor’s size and its spread (metastasis):

• Stage 1: The tumor is less than 2 cm in size and has not spread to lymph nodes.

• Stage 2: The tumor measures between 2–4 cm and has not yet spread to lymph nodes.

• Stage 3: The tumor is larger than 4 cm but has not reached lymph nodes, or it can be any size but has spread to one lymph node without reaching other organs.

• Stage 4: The tumor can be of any size, and cancer cells have spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, or distant organs.

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8 Warning Signs of Oral Cancer

1. Persistent pain in the mouth:
   Unexplained pain in the oral cavity that worsens over time. If ulcers or lesions appear, they may become increasingly painful. When cancer cells invade nearby nerves, pain can radiate to the ear or throat.

2. Changes in mucosal color:
   In healthy individuals, the oral lining is light pink. In those with oral cancer, it may appear pale or dark due to epithelial cell changes.

3. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck:
   Oral cancer often spreads to the cervical lymph nodes, causing sudden swelling in the neck.

4. Difficulty moving the mouth:
   When the tumor invades the jaw muscles, opening or moving the mouth becomes painful and stiff.

5. Non-healing mouth ulcers:
   Sores resembling canker sores that do not heal after two weeks, accompanied by burning or pain.

6. Tongue stiffness or numbness:
   The tongue loses flexibility, making it hard to eat, speak, or swallow. Some may experience numbness, loss of sensation, or unexplained nosebleeds due to nerve involvement.

7. Unhealed wounds after tooth extraction:
   Swelling, redness, and bleeding easily occur at the site of extraction or other oral lesions. Patients may also notice loose or falling teeth and facial asymmetry.

8. Oral bleeding:
   This is a serious symptom, often indicating that the disease has progressed. Even slight contact may cause bleeding.

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Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

• Tobacco and alcohol use:
  These are the two leading causes of head and neck cancers, including oral cancer.

• Viral infections:
  Infections with Herpes simplex virus or Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) increase cancer risk.

• Genetic and systemic factors:
  Conditions like xeroderma pigmentosum, anemia, or Fanconi syndrome may contribute.

• Precancerous oral lesions:
  Such as leukoplakia, erythroplakia, chronic hyperplastic candidiasis, or persistent traumatic ulcers.

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Prevention

To prevent oral cancer:

• Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption to reduce exposure to carcinogens.

• Eat more vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins, especially carrots.

• Have regular dental and oral checkups every six months to detect abnormalities early.