Overview
Oral cavity cancer develops from the mucosal lining inside the mouth, including the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, buccal mucosa, gums and palate. According to GLOBOCAN 2022, there are more than 370,000 new cases worldwide each year; the most common type is squamous cell carcinoma.
- Early stage: 5-year survival about 70–80% with timely treatment.
- Late stage: deep invasion, neck lymph node metastasis, serious impact on eating and speaking.
Risk factors
- Tobacco smoking.
- Alcohol, especially combined with tobacco.
- High-risk HPV infection.
- Poor oral hygiene.
- Chronic injury from sharp teeth or ill-fitting dentures.
- Immunodeficiency.
Stages of oral cavity cancer
- Stage 0: Abnormal cells only in the surface mucosal layer.
- Stage 1: Small tumor, not spread.
- Stage 2: Larger tumor still confined to the oral cavity.
- Stage 3: Deeper invasion or spread to neck lymph nodes.
- Stage 4: Affects nearby structures or distant metastasis.
Oral cavity cancer screening
At GC & Phenikaa, screening includes ENT specialist examination with a comprehensive oral check, endoscopy to evaluate suspicious lesions, and biopsy/histopathology when necessary.