Skin lesion, lump, or ulcer that do not resolve in 14 days located:

• On the tongue, lip, or other mouth areas
• Usually small
• Most often pale colored, may be dark or discolored
• Early sign may be a white patch (leukoplakia) or a red patch (erythroplakia) on the soft tissues of the mouth
• Usually painless initially
• May develop a burning sensation or pain when the tumor is advanced

ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS THAT MAY BE ASSOCIATED WITH THIS DISEASE:

• Tongue problems (moving it)
• Swallowing difficulty
• Pain and paranesthesia are late symptoms.

TOBACCO

A premalignant (or precancerous) lesion is defined as "a benign, morphologically altered tissue that has a greater than normal risk of malignant transformation." There are several different types of premalignant lesion that occur in the mouth. Some oral cancers begin as white patches (leukoplakia), red patches (erythroplakia) or mixed red and white patches (erythroleukoplakia or "speckled leukoplakia"). Other common premalignant lesions include oral lichen planus (particularly the erosive type), oral submucous fibrosis and actinic cheilitis. In the Indian subcontinent oral submucous fibrosis is very common. This condition is characterized by limited opening of mouth and burning sensation on eating of spicy food. This is a progressive lesion in which the opening of the mouth becomes progressively limited, and later on even normal eating becomes difficult. It occurs almost exclusively in India and Indian communities living abroad.

ALCOHOL

• Human papillomavirus

• Surgical excision (removal) of the tumor is usually recommended if the tumor is small enough, and if surgery is likely to result in a functionally satisfactory result. Radiation therapywith or without chemotherapy is often used in conjunction with surgery, or as the definitive radical treatment, especially if the tumour is inoperable. Surgeries for oral cancers include
• Maxillectomy (can be done with or without orbital exenteration)
• Mandibulectomy (removal of the mandible or lower jaw or part of it)
• Glossectomy (tongue removal, can be total, hemi or partial)
• Radical neck dissection including various types
• Combinational e.g. glossectomy and laryngectomy done together.
• Feeding tube to sustain nutrition.

Owing to the vital nature of the structures in the head and neck area, surgery for larger cancers is technically demanding. Reconstructive surgery may be required to give an acceptable cosmetic and functional result. Pedicle or free surgical flaps such as the radial forearm flap, Anterolateral thigh flap, free fibular flap are used to help rebuild the structures removed during excision of the cancer. An oral prosthesis may also be required. Most oral cancer patients depend on a feeding tube for their hydration and nutrition. Some will also get a port for the chemo to be delivered.

Many oral cancer patients are disfigured and suffer from many long term after effects. The after effects often include fatigue, speech problems, trouble maintaining weight, thyroid issues, swallowing difficulties, inability to swallow, memory loss, weakness, dizziness, high frequency hearing loss and sinus damage.

Survival rates for oral cancer depend on the precise site, and the stage of the cancer at diagnosis.Survival rates for stage 1 cancers are approximately 90%, hence the emphasis on early detection to increase survival outcome for patients.