Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and HPV infection are the leading causes — making oral cancer largely preventable with lifestyle awareness and regular screening.
Oral cancer is frequently misdiagnosed as a simple mouth sore or ulcer, leading to delayed treatment. Early specialist evaluation is key to better survival outcomes.
Stage I and Stage II oral cancers have significantly high survival rates with timely surgical intervention and adjunct therapy.
Ulcers or sores inside the mouth that do not heal within two to three weeks, often painless in early stages but progressive over time.
Leukoplakia (white patches) or erythroplakia (red patches) on the gums, tongue, or inner cheeks — considered pre-cancerous lesions requiring immediate evaluation.
Spontaneous or unexplained bleeding from the mouth, gums, or tongue without any apparent injury or dental cause.
A feeling of something stuck in the throat, or persistent discomfort while eating or swallowing that does not resolve on its own.
Persistent numbness, tenderness, or swelling in the mouth, jaw, or neck — including painless lumps or thickening of soft tissues.
Hoarseness or unexplained changes in voice quality lasting more than two weeks may indicate involvement of the throat or surrounding structures.
Unilateral ear pain without any hearing loss or infection may be a referred symptom from an oral or oropharyngeal lesion.
Smoking cigarettes, bidis, cigars, or using smokeless tobacco (gutka, pan masala) dramatically increases the risk of oral cancer — tobacco is the single largest causative factor in India.
Heavy or chronic alcohol use significantly raises the risk, and when combined with tobacco, the risk multiplies several times over.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV), particularly strain HPV-16, is increasingly linked to oropharyngeal cancers, especially in non-tobacco users.
Chronic exposure to UV radiation is a key risk factor specifically for lip cancer, particularly in individuals who work outdoors.
Conditions like leukoplakia, erythroplakia, and oral submucous fibrosis (common in betel nut users) can progress to full malignancy if left untreated.
A tissue biopsy confirms the diagnosis, followed by imaging (CT, MRI, PET scan) to determine the stage, size, and spread of the tumor — forming the basis of the treatment plan.
The primary treatment for most oral cancers involves surgically removing the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete clearance of malignant cells.
When cancer has spread or is likely to spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, a selective or radical neck dissection is performed to remove affected nodes and prevent further metastasis.
Following tumor removal, reconstructive procedures using local flaps, regional flaps, or free flap microsurgery restore the appearance and function of the jaw, tongue, or oral tissues.
Used post-surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells, or as a primary treatment for inoperable tumors. Targeted radiation minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Chemotherapy is used alongside radiation for advanced cases or when cancer has spread beyond the oral cavity. Targeted therapy and immunotherapy offer additional options for recurrent or resistant cancers.
Schedule your consultation at our Jubilee Hills clinic at a time that suits you.
Thorough examination of your jaw, bite, muscles, and joint plus review of imaging if available.
Clear explanation of your diagnosis with a personalized, staged treatment roadmap.
Start your individualized treatment with ongoing support through recovery and long-term follow-up.