Oral Cancer: Early Warning Signs, Risk Factors and Importance of Screening

June 14, 2026

Oral Cancer: Early Warning Signs, Risk Factors and Importance of Screening

Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
14 June, 2026

Oral Cancer Early Warning Signs Risk Factors and Importance of Screening

The term ‘oral cancer’ is associated with cancerous growths anywhere in the mouth- on the lips, the tongue, on the sides or inside of the cheek, gums, throat, tonsils, behind the wisdom teeth and even at the base of the throat. If it is left untreated, it can quickly spread to different parts of the head and neck eventually. This is one of the most common cancers that affect men in India- and account for almost 30% of all new cases, globally.

Get in touch with specialists at KIMS Sunshine Hospital for advanced head and neck oncology care in Hyderabad without any further delay!

Causes of Oral Cancer-

There are epithelial cells that cover the inside of the mouth and elsewhere in the oropharyngeal cavity. The DNA in these cells begins to slowly mutate or change, until the cell begins to divide uncontrollably and then a mass is formed. Most individuals who have oral cancer tend to smoke, drink, or use nicotine, tobacco containing products in a big way. They may also harbour HPV or human papilloma virus due to an STI or even have a family history of oral cancer.

It is also important to understand that people who don’t drink, smoke or have STIs can also suffer from oral cancer, though this is a rare occurrence.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer-

These are some oral cancer symptoms you should know of-

Red and white or red/white patches in mouth causes may include pre-cancerous growths. These are called erythroplakia, leukoplakia or erythroleukoplakia. These will bleed when you try to scrape them and may look like raised white or red patches in the mouth and throat.
You may have sores in the inside of the mouth and on the lips which may bleed and may not heal for weeks.
Crusty or rough feeling spots in gums, lips or anywhere in the mouth.
You may notice numbness or neuropathy in some parts of the mouth.
You may not be able to chew or swallow food easily.
You may not be able to speak normally.
You may have ear pain.
You may have to deal with halitosis- or bad breath all the time.

If you notice any or few of these symptoms, please get mouth cancer screening done at KIMS Sunshine Hospital right away!

Diagnosis of Oral Cancer-

Some well known oral cancer diagnosis tests include-

A physical examination of the mouth, which will also involve biopsy for mouth lesions.
Brush biopsy- Also called a scrap or exfoliative biopsy, a spatula is used to take scrapings off of the suspicious sore in the mouth.
Incisional biopsy– Small pieces of tissue are taken from the area of interest, to check for cancerous cells.
Indirect Pharyngoscopy– A small mirror like device is used to check how the throat, base of the tongue and part of the voice box look.
Direct Pharyngoscopy– Here, an endoscope, which is a tube that has a camera on one end is inserted into the throat, to help the doctor see the area better.

There are 3 stages of oral cancer-

Stage 1- When the tumour is around 2 cm or less in diameter.
Stage 2- The tumor is between 2-4 cm.
Stage 3- The tumour is larger than 4 cm in diameter.

Treatment of Oral Cancer-

Some oral cancer treatment options include surgery, if the tumour is highly localised. If it has spread to other parts of the mouth, then you may need partial removal of the tongue, jaw bone, surgery of the hard bony roof of the mouth or even extensive reconstructive surgery – to help fill in gaps left due to surgery previously. Healthy tissue or bone from other parts of the body can be used at times as material to reconstruct the oral cavity.

Doctors may also recommend radiation therapy, targeted therapy, chemo and immunotherapy in some cases, after surgery is done.

Conclusion

Early diagnosis can greatly help reduce the need for very aggressive treatment regimens. Please consider going for regular oral cancer specialist consultation, if you smoke, drink or chew tobacco everyday or often. Call us today at KIMS Sunshine Hospital as we are the best multispecialty hospital in Hyderabad!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the early warning signs of oral cancer?

Early signs of oral cancer include a persistent mouth ulcer, a lump inside the mouth, red or white patches on the gums or tongue, unexplained bleeding, difficulty chewing or swallowing, persistent mouth pain and changes in speech.

Which tests are used to diagnose oral cancer?

Diagnosis begins with a clinical examination of the mouth, tongue, throat, and neck. If a suspicious lesion is identified, a biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis. Imaging studies such as CT scans, MRI, PET scans, and ultrasound help determine the size of the tumour and whether it has spread.

What are the major risk factors for oral cancer?

The primary risk factors include tobacco use, smokeless tobacco, betel nut chewing, excessive alcohol consumption, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, prolonged sun exposure to the lips, and a previous history of oral cancer. Tobacco and alcohol together significantly increase the risk of developing oral cancer.

What treatment options are available for oral cancer?

Treatment depends on the stage and location of the cancer. Common options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Many patients receive a combination of treatments to remove the tumour, control disease spread, and preserve speech and swallowing function.

Can regular screening help detect oral cancer early?

Yes. Regular oral cancer screening can identify abnormal lesions before symptoms become severe. Screening involves a thorough examination of the mouth, tongue, gums, cheeks, palate, and throat. Early detection increases treatment options, improves treatment outcomes, and reduces the risk of advanced disease.