Mouth Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Stages, and Treatment

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Dentists recommend having your mouth checked at least twice a year, especially if you smoke or drink alcohol regularly. Early detection significantly improves survival rates.

Common Symptoms of Mouth Cancer

In its early stages, oral cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, you should watch for the following warning signs:

  • Persistent sore or blister on the lips or inside the mouth that does not heal

  • Bleeding in the mouth

  • Loose teeth without clear cause

  • Pain while chewing or swallowing

  • Lumps in the neck

  • Earache

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Numbness in the lips, face, chin, or neck

  • Red or white patches on the tongue, lips, or mouth lining

  • Throat pain or dry mouth

  • Jaw stiffness or pain

  • Pain in the tongue

These symptoms do not always mean cancer, but they should never be ignored. If they persist, see a dentist or doctor promptly.

Main Causes of Mouth Cancer

  1. Smoking – Cigarettes, cigars, and pipe smoking are the most common causes.

  2. Tobacco in any form – Chewing or smokeless tobacco is also a major risk factor.

  3. Excessive alcohol consumption – Drinking heavily increases the risk significantly.

Stages of Mouth Cancer

  • Stage 1: Tumor is less than 1 inch and has not spread to lymph nodes.

  • Stage 2: Tumor is 1–2 inches, but still not spread to lymph nodes.

  • Stage 3: Tumor is larger than 2 inches, or smaller but has spread to nearby lymph nodes.

  • Stage 4: Cancer spreads beyond the mouth to surrounding tissues, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body.

Knowing the stage helps doctors decide on the best treatment and predict recovery chances.

Treatment Options

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