Mouth Cancer Symptoms: Early Signs Seen in Tongue, Gums and Throat

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that develops on the lips, tongue, or the lining of the mouth (usually squamous cell carcinoma).

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Mouth Cancer; Some Early Symptoms Shown by the Body

Oral cancer develops on the lips, tongue, or mouth lining (squamous cell carcinoma). It can affect the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, floor and roof of the mouth, and back of the throat.

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People who use alcohol and tobacco together have a higher risk of mouth cancer.

Using various forms of tobacco/betel nut, or paan increases the risk of mouth cancer. The risk is even higher for those who use both alcohol and tobacco together.

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Oral cancer is often linked to smoking or chewing tobacco.

Oral cancer is often linked to smoking or chewing tobacco. Daily alcohol use also raises the risk. A study found over 60% of India's oral cancer cases are tied to alcohol and smokeless tobacco.

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Experts say alcohol significantly increases the risk of mouth cancer.

In the country, 62% of mouth cancers result from tobacco and alcohol use. While tobacco is a major risk factor, experts say alcohol significantly increases the risk of oral cancer.

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Drinking alcohol produces acetaldehyde, a toxic substance that damages DNA in mouth cells.

Alcohol produces acetaldehyde, a toxin that damages DNA in mouth cells. It also increases tissue permeability, allowing harmful substances to enter easily, says Dr. Sandeep Nayak.

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The first symptom is a sore on the lip, gum, or inside the mouth that doesn't heal within two weeks.

The first sign is a sore on the lip, gum, or inside the mouth that won't heal in two weeks. Precancerous growths can be white or red patches on the gums, tongue, or inner cheeks.

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White patches (leukoplakia) or red patches on the tongue, gums, or mouth lining.

Another symptom is white (leukoplakia) or red patches on the tongue, gums, or mouth lining. Oral cancer can appear as a growth or tissue thickening. See a doctor for any lump lasting over two weeks.