Hyderabad, Telangana, 26th of July, 2026 : A mouth ulcer that refuses to heal, a white or red patch inside the mouth, or a gradual reduction in mouth opening may appear harmless, but doctors warn these could be the earliest signs of oral cancer. While oral cancer is one of the most common cancers in India, specialists say many cases can be prevented through tobacco cessation, early detection and timely treatment of precancerous lesions.
Observed every year on July 27, World Head & Neck Cancer Day aims to raise awareness about cancers affecting the mouth, tongue, throat, voice box, salivary glands and other head and neck organs, with a strong focus on prevention, early diagnosis and improving survival.
India continues to carry one of the world’s highest oral cancer burdens. According to the latest GLOBOCAN 2024 estimates, the country records approximately 2.06 lakh new lip and oral cavity cancer cases and more than 86,000 deaths every year—equivalent to nearly 560 new cases and 236 deaths every day. Among Indian men, lip and oral cavity cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer, accounting for nearly one in every five new cancer cases.
Doctors say tobacco remains the leading cause, while excessive alcohol consumption further increases the risk. Plain supari (areca nut) and pan masala, even without tobacco, are also known risk factors, as areca nut itself is classified as a carcinogen. Doctors are also witnessing a gradual rise in Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-associated throat cancers, particularly among younger adults.
Dr. Ramu Damuluri, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, CARE Hospitals, Hitech City, said oral cancer rarely develops overnight and is often preceded by visible changes inside the mouth. “Oral cancer rarely develops overnight. In many people, the mouth gives warning signs well before cancer appears. These may include a white or red patch inside the mouth, a mouth ulcer that does not heal, burning while eating spicy food, thickening of the cheek lining or gradually reduced mouth opening. These changes are not always cancer, but they may represent precancerous lesions, where the cells have started changing but have not yet become invasive cancer. At this stage, stopping tobacco and supari, examining the lesion properly, performing a biopsy when necessary and treating or closely monitoring these changes can prevent many cases from progressing to cancer.”
Highlighting the scale of the problem, he said India’s oral cancer burden continues to rise largely because of preventable lifestyle habits. “India records nearly 560 new oral cancer cases every day, yet many of these are preventable. Cigarettes, bidis, gutka, khaini, zarda, tobacco paan and every form of smokeless tobacco are harmful. People should also understand that plain supari and pan masala are not safe even when they do not contain tobacco because areca nut itself can cause cancer. Alcohol further increases the risk, particularly when combined with tobacco.”
Dr. Damuluri said one of the biggest challenges is that many patients ignore early symptoms because they are painless. “Cancer does not always cause pain in its early stages. Any mouth ulcer, white or red patch, growth or swelling that persists for more than two weeks should be examined by a specialist. Persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, unexplained bleeding from the mouth, reduced mouth opening, loose teeth without an obvious dental cause, numbness of the tongue or lip, or a lump in the neck are also warning signs that should never be ignored.”
He added that detecting oral cancer early makes treatment significantly less complicated. “When oral cancer is diagnosed early, treatment is usually smaller and less complex. Early-stage disease can often be managed with limited surgery or focused radiation therapy, whereas advanced cancers may require extensive surgery, neck dissection, reconstructive procedures, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Early diagnosis improves the chances of cure while helping preserve speech, swallowing and facial appearance.”
Dr. MD Kareemullah Khan, Senior ENT Surgeon, CARE Hospitals, said many patients first present to ENT clinics with symptoms they believe are due to common infections. “Persistent hoarseness, throat pain, difficulty swallowing or a swelling in the neck should never be ignored if they continue for more than two weeks. Many patients assume these symptoms are caused by seasonal infections or acidity and delay consulting a specialist. Early evaluation with endoscopy and appropriate imaging helps identify cancers at a stage when treatment is more effective and functional outcomes are much better.”
Dr Khan added that awareness remains the most effective tool in reducing delayed diagnosis. “Early diagnosis is not only about saving lives, it also helps preserve normal speech, swallowing and breathing while reducing the need for extensive surgery and reconstruction. People should avoid self-medication and seek medical advice promptly whenever symptoms persist.”
Doctors recommend quitting tobacco and supari completely, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining good oral hygiene, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, considering HPV vaccination after medical consultation where appropriate, and undergoing regular oral examinations, particularly for people above 40 years of age or those with a history of tobacco or areca nut use.
“The message this World Head & Neck Cancer Day is simple: treat precancerous lesions before they become cancer. A mouth ulcer that does not heal within two weeks is simply too long to ignore,” the specialists said.
Doctors say people should seek medical attention without delay if they notice a mouth ulcer that does not heal within two weeks, white or red patches inside the mouth, persistent hoarseness or a change in voice, difficulty or pain while swallowing, a lump or swelling in the neck, gradually reduced mouth opening, unexplained bleeding from the mouth, loose teeth without an obvious dental cause, or a persistent sore throat or one-sided ear pain. Early evaluation of these symptoms can lead to timely diagnosis, simpler treatment and significantly better outcomes.
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