Mouth cancer: Warning signs and symptoms to look out for; tips to reduce risk

New Delhi: The development of cancer in parts of the oral cavity is known as mouth or oral cancer. According to Globucon 2020, India reported around 1,35,929 new cases and 75,290 deaths of lip and oral cavity cancer. However, the accurate figures are estimated to be higher as the data does not take into account the number of these cases that often go undetected, unreported, or unregistered.

In a conversation with Express.co.uk, Dr Pretam Gharat, a leading dentist in the United Kingdom (UK), commented on the state of mouth cancer and said, “The incidence of cancer hasn't changed over the last few months despite the COVID-19 pandemic, however, the number of patients presenting at hospitals has reduced. This is because patients are deciding not to go to a doctor or specialist due to the impression that the hospital services are overwhelmed and due to the fear of catching the Coronavirus."

Some warning signs of mouth cancer that one must look out for are as follows:

1. Ear/mouth ache
2. Loose teeth
3. Lump growth or white/reddish patch inside the mouth
4. Difficulty in swallowing
5. Sore on lip or mouth that wouldn't heal

Among the well-known causes of mouth cancer, consumption of alcohol and tobacco remains to be the prominent ones. Elaborating on the effect of alcohol and tobacco intake on mouth cancer, Dr Garat said, “Another important consideration in these unprecedented times is the deteriorating mental health status of the population, which may lead to increase in alcohol consumption and smoking.”

“Tobacco and alcohol are carcinogenic i.e. they contain chemicals that can damage the DNA in human cells which may lead to cancer. The combination of alcohol and smoking increases the risk of oral cancer by 30 times,” he added.

Other risk factors and causes of oral cancer include:

Here are some ways in which you can reduce the risk of developing mouth cancer: