Mouth cancer can affect the lips, tongue, gums, inner cheeks, and the roof or floor of the mouth. Although it isn’t discussed as often as other cancers, it is just as serious. The problem is that it often begins without pain, so many cases are found late. When caught early, however, oral cancer is highly treatable and often curable.
Key warning signs include sores that don’t heal within two weeks, red or white patches, cheek lumps, trouble swallowing or chewing, numbness, chronic ear pain, loose teeth, or swelling in the neck. Anyone can develop it, but risk rises for smokers, heavy drinkers, people with HPV, frequent sun exposure, or poor oral hygiene. Using tobacco and alcohol together can raise the danger dramatically.
Regular dental visits are critical because dentists can detect abnormal changes before they become advanced. Early-stage cancers have survival rates above 90%, while later stages are far more difficult to treat. Care may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or other therapies depending on spread.
Prevention remains the best defense: quit tobacco, limit alcohol, consider HPV vaccination, maintain oral hygiene, and get routine checkups. Mouth cancer may start silently, but noticing changes early and acting fast can save your life.
