Cancer that develops in any part of the mouth.

Mouth cancer can occur on the:

• Lips
• Gums
• Tongue
• Inner lining of the cheeks
• Roof of the mouth
• Floor of the mouth (under the tongue)

Overview

Oral cancer, also called mouth cancer, forms in the oral cavity, which includes all parts of your mouth that you can see if you open wide and look in the mirror. Your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, roof or floor of the mouth. Oral cancer forms when cells on the lips or in the mouth mutate.

Risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol use and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

Symptoms include a sore that doesn’t heal, a lump or a white or red patch on the inside of the mouth.

Treatment includes surgery and radiation therapy. In some cases, chemotherapy may be required.

Cancer that occurs on the inside of the mouth is sometimes called oral cancer or oral cavity cancer.

Mouth cancer is one of several types of cancers grouped in a category called head and neck cancers. Mouth cancer and other head and neck cancers are often treated similarly.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

• A lip or mouth sore that doesn’t heal
• A white or reddish patch on the inside of your mouth
• Loose teeth
• A growth or lump inside your mouth
• Mouth pain
• Ear pain
• Difficult or painful swallowing

Causes of Oral Cancer

It’s not clear what causes the mutations in squamous cells that lead to mouth cancer. But doctors have identified factors that may increase the risk of mouth cancer.

Factors that can increase your risk of mouth cancer include:

• Tobacco use of any kind, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and snuff, among others
• Heavy alcohol use
• Excessive sun exposure to your lips
• A sexually transmitted virus called human papillomavirus (HPV)
• A weakened immune system

Major Hospitals in India Which Offers Best Oral Cancer Treatment