Oral cancer is a serious health condition that affects thousands of people every year. Early detection and accurate diagnosis are key to improving treatment outcomes. At Dr. Nikhil Mehta, we believe that awareness is the first step toward prevention and successful treatment. In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of oral cancer, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer refers to malignant growths in the mouth or oral cavity, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat (pharynx). It typically begins as a painless sore or growth that doesn’t go away.
Common Types of Oral Cancer
1. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Prevalence: Most common type (over 90% of oral cancers).
- Location: Can occur anywhere in the oral cavity, especially the tongue, floor of the mouth, and inner cheeks.
- Cause: Linked to tobacco use, alcohol consumption, HPV infection, and sun exposure (for lip cancer).
- Symptoms: Persistent sores, red or white patches, difficulty swallowing, or a lump in the mouth or neck. If you experience these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult the best oncologist in Jaipur for early diagnosis and timely treatment.
2. Verrucous Carcinoma
- Nature: A slow-growing, low-grade form of squamous cell carcinoma.
- Appearance: Wart-like, thick white patches.
- Risk Factor: Strongly associated with chewing tobacco and poor oral hygiene.
- Prognosis: Less likely to spread but can invade nearby tissues if untreated. If caught early by the best oncologist in Jaipur, this form of cancer is highly manageable with appropriate care.
3. Minor Salivary Gland Carcinomas
- Types: Includes mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma, and acinic cell carcinoma.
- Location: Can develop in the salivary glands found in the lips, cheeks, and roof of the mouth.
- Symptoms: Swelling, pain, or numbness in the affected area.
4. Lymphoma
- Origin: Arises in the lymphoid tissues found in the base of the tongue and tonsils.
- Types: Includes Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Symptoms: Swelling, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.
5. Melanoma
- Rarity: Very rare in the oral cavity.
- Location: Most often appears on the hard palate or gums.
- Appearance: Dark, irregularly pigmented lesion.
- Urgency: Highly aggressive and requires immediate treatment.
6. Sarcomas
- Type: Cancers arising from connective tissues, such as bone or muscle.
- Subtypes: Includes osteosarcoma (bone) and leiomyosarcoma (muscle).
- Signs: Rapid swelling, pain, and loosening of teeth.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Understanding the risk factors can help in early detection and prevention. These include:
- Tobacco use (smoking and smokeless)
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- Prolonged sun exposure (lip cancer)
- Poor oral hygiene
- Family history of cancer
- Age (most common in people over 40)
Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
- Early signs of oral cancer are often painless, but here are symptoms to watch out for:
- Persistent mouth sores or ulcers
- Lumps or thick patches in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Numbness of the tongue or jaw
- Hoarseness or chronic sore throat
- Unexplained weight loss
If you experience any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, consult a qualified oral cancer specialist immediately.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
At Dr. Nikhil Mehta’s clinic, we follow a multidisciplinary approach for the diagnosis and treatment of oral cancers:
Diagnosis Includes:
- Clinical examination
- Biopsy
- Imaging (CT, MRI, PET scans)
Treatment Options:
- Surgery (to remove the tumor)
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Reconstructive surgery (if required)
Early diagnosis leads to better outcomes. Dr. Nikhil Mehta’s expertise in head and neck oncology ensures that every patient receives personalized, evidence-based care.
Why Choose Dr. Nikhil Mehta?
✅ Decades of experience in oral and head-neck oncology
✅ Advanced surgical techniques
✅ Compassionate, patient-centered care
✅ Multidisciplinary treatment planning
✅ State-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical facilities
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of oral cancer can help in early detection and successful treatment. If you or a loved one notices unusual symptoms, don’t delay. Early intervention saves lives.
Book an appointment with Dr. Nikhil Mehta today for a thorough evaluation and expert care.
