5. Poor Diet
Low intake of fruits and vegetables linked to higher risk
Antioxidants help protect cells from damage
6. Weakened Immune System
Conditions like HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressive drugs increase susceptibility
How Is Mouth Cancer Diagnosed?
If your dentist or doctor suspects cancer, they’ll likely:
Perform a visual and physical exam
Order a biopsy (removing a small tissue sample)
Use imaging tests (like CT, MRI, or PET scans) to see if it has spread
Staging determines how far the cancer has progressed — crucial for treatment planning.
Stages of Mouth Cancer
Cancer stage depends on tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastasis.
✅
Stage I
Small tumor (≤2 cm), no spread to nodes or distant sites
✅
Stage II
Tumor 2–4 cm, still localized
✅
Stage III
Tumor >4 cm OR any size with single nearby lymph node involvement
✅
Stage IV
Spread to multiple lymph nodes, deeper tissues, or distant organs (e.g., lungs)
Early detection (Stages I–II) = much better prognosis.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on stage, location, and overall health.
1. Surgery
Remove the tumor and some surrounding healthy tissue
May include neck dissection if lymph nodes are involved
Can affect speech, swallowing, or appearance — reconstruction often needed
2. Radiation Therapy
High-energy beams kill cancer cells
Used alone for early cancers or after surgery to eliminate remaining cells
Side effects: Dry mouth, sore throat, taste changes
3. Chemotherapy
Drugs that target fast-growing cells
Often combined with radiation (chemoradiation) for advanced cases
Side effects: Fatigue, nausea, hair loss
4. Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy
Cetuximab (Erbitux®): Targets proteins on cancer cells
Pembrolizumab (Keytruda®): Helps immune system attack cancer
Used for recurrent or metastatic disease
✅ Prevention Tips That Work
You can’t eliminate all risk — but you can reduce it significantly.
✅ Quit tobacco
One of the most powerful actions you can take
✅ Limit alcohol
No more than 1 drink/day (women), 2 (men)
✅ Get vaccinated against HPV
For boys and girls ages 9–26
✅ Eat more fruits & veggies
Rich in antioxidants and vitamins
✅ Wear SPF lip balm
Protects against UV damage
✅ Visit your dentist regularly
Oral cancer screenings are quick and painless
Many dentists perform an oral cancer check during every cleaning.
❌ Debunking the Myths
❌ “Only smokers get mouth cancer”
False — HPV-related cases are rising in non-smokers
❌ “It only affects older people”
No — younger adults are seeing more HPV-linked cases
❌ “If I don’t smoke, I’m safe”
Not true — sun exposure, HPV, and genetics play roles
❌ “Oral cancer is rare”
It’s not — and survival rates drop sharply when late-stage
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to live in fear of mouth cancer.
But you should pay attention to what’s happening in your mouth.
So next time you’re brushing your teeth…
look.
Check your tongue.
Peer under it.
Feel along your gums.
And if something looks wrong — even if it doesn’t hurt — see a professional.
