Understanding Mouth Cancer: Early Signs, Risks & Why Regular Dental Checkups Could Save Your Life
Lip Cancer. Tongue Cancer. Inner Cheek Cancer. Gum Cancer. Cancer of the floor of the mouth. These are more than just clinical terms — they are real, life-altering conditions that often go unnoticed until it’s too late.

Today, I want to talk about something most people ignore until it’s dangerously late: oral cancer. While it might not be as widely discussed as other cancers, its impact is just as serious. The good news? With awareness and early detection, mouth cancer is often treatable and even curable in its early stages.

 What Is Mouth Cancer?
Mouth cancer (also called oral cancer) is a type of head and neck cancer that can affect various areas inside your mouth, including:

Lips

Tongue

Gums

Inner cheeks (buccal mucosa)

Roof and floor of the mouth

The area under your tongue

 Symptoms of Mouth Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore
In its earliest stages, oral cancer is often painless and symptomless — which makes it all the more dangerous. However, as it progresses, you may begin to notice:

Sores in the mouth that don’t heal within 2 weeks

Red or white patches on your gums, tongue, or inner cheeks

A lump or thickening in the cheek

Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving your jaw

Numbness in the mouth, lips, or chin

A feeling that something is caught in the throat

Loose teeth or pain around the teeth or jaw

Bad breath or chronic earaches

Swelling in the neck or under the jaw

If you have any of these symptoms for more than 14 days, schedule an appointment with your dentist or doctor immediately.

 Who’s Most at Risk?
While anyone can develop oral cancer, you are at higher risk if:

You smoke or chew tobacco

You consume alcohol frequently

You’ve had prolonged sun exposure (especially for lip cancer)

You are infected with HPV, especially HPV type 16

You practice poor oral hygiene or regularly consume hot beverages

You have a family history of cancer

Smokers and heavy drinkers are especially vulnerable — the combination increases oral cancer risk by up to 30 times compared to non-users.

 Why Regular Dental Checkups Matter
Did you know that your dentist is often the first person who can detect the early signs of mouth cancer?

That’s why dentists recommend a full oral exam twice a year, even if you’re not experiencing any symptoms. Dentists are trained to identify unusual lesions, ulcers, or changes in your oral tissues long before they become dangerous.

If you’re a smoker, drinker, or over the age of 40, don’t skip your dental appointments. Early detection could literally save your life.

 How Mouth Cancer Progresses: The Stages
Mouth cancer is categorized using four stages:

Stage I: A small tumor (under 2 cm) with no lymph node involvement

Stage II: Tumor is between 2–4 cm, no spread yet

Stage III: Tumor may be larger or has spread to one lymph node

Stage IV: Cancer has spread to deeper tissues, multiple lymph nodes, or other parts of the body

 Survival rate for Stage I oral cancer is over 90% — but this drops significantly in later stages. That’s why early detection is so critical.

 Treatment Options
Depending on the stage and location of your cancer, treatments may include:

Surgery: Removal of the tumor and possibly nearby lymph nodes

Radiation therapy: Often used after surgery or in early-stage cancers

Chemotherapy: For advanced or aggressive cancers

Immunotherapy: For certain cases where traditional treatment doesn’t work

Speech & swallowing therapy: Often needed post-surgery to recover normal function

 Meet the Specialist: Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit
If you or someone you know is facing a mouth cancer diagnosis or has symptoms, you may consider consulting Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit, a leading medical oncologist and head-and-neck cancer specialist. With over 20 years of experience, he provides state-of-the-art treatment and compassionate care, helping patients navigate one of the toughest battles of their lives.

 Prevention Starts With Awareness
Here are 5 simple steps to reduce your risk of mouth cancer:

Quit tobacco in all forms

Limit alcohol intake

Get vaccinated against HPV

Practice good oral hygiene

Visit your dentist regularly for oral cancer screenings

 Final Thoughts
Mouth cancer is silent — until it’s not. By staying informed, watching for symptoms, and keeping up with dental checkups, you can stay one step ahead.

If you’re experiencing any of the signs mentioned in this article, don’t wait. Early action can mean the difference between recovery and risk.

Your mouth can speak volumes — but only if you’re listening.