MUMBAI, NATIONAL, 17 JANUARY, 2026: (GPN/ Dr. Prasant Chandra, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital, Pune) – Head and neck cancers, including those affecting the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, and nasopharynx, pose a significant public health challenge in India. The country bears nearly one-third of the global oral cancer burden, with an estimated 77,000 new cases and over 52,000 deaths reported annually. While largely preventable and highly treatable when detected early, 60–80% of cases are diagnosed at advanced stages due to delayed evaluation and limited awareness of warning signs.

When Should a Mouth Ulcer Raise Alarm?

Dr. Prasant Chandra, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital, Pune explains, “Mouth ulcers are common and usually harmless, resolving within one to two weeks. However, any ulcer that persists for more than a month, particularly if painless, firm, or raised, should prompt immediate medical evaluation. Chronic tobacco users, whether smokers or chewable tobacco consumers such as gutka, khaini, or pan for over a decade, should seek evaluation without delay.”

Cancerous ulcers often have irregular edges, may appear red, white, or mixed in color, and gradually become painful as the disease progresses.

Subtle Early Warning Signs

While non-healing ulcers are the most common presentation, several other early signs are often overlooked. These include white or red patches in the mouth (leukoplakia or erythroplakia), unexplained numbness or swelling, and difficulty or pain while chewing or swallowing. Persistent hoarseness, voice changes, or a lump in the neck may indicate lymph node involvement. Additional symptoms, such as nasal blockage, nosebleeds, hearing problems, or a sensation of food sticking while swallowing, could point to nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, or hypopharyngeal cancers, respectively.

The Importance of Early Detection

Early diagnosis can be life-saving. Stage 1–2 cancers confined to their site of origin have five-year survival rates of 80–90%. In contrast, Stage 3–4 cancers, often involving lymph nodes, see survival rates drop to 30–50%, requiring extensive surgery and prolonged treatment. Regular dental check-ups and organized screening programs play a critical role in detecting precancerous lesions before they progress.

Understanding Risk Factors

Tobacco remains the leading risk factor in India, encompassing both smoking and smokeless forms. Alcohol independently increases risk, but combined use with tobacco multiplies the danger, as alcohol impairs the body’s DNA repair mechanisms, allowing carcinogens from tobacco to have a stronger effect. Other contributors include HPV infection (particularly HPV-16), poor oral hygiene, chronic irritation from sharp teeth or ill-fitting dentures, deficiencies in vitamins D and B12, zinc, and low intake of other antioxidant vitamins . Women using tobacco or betel products face comparable or even higher risk than men due to biological susceptibility.

When to Seek Professional Help

Any ulcer not healing within a month should be evaluated promptly by a dentist, ENT specialist, or oncologist. Early assessment allows for biopsy if needed, timely treatment, and significantly higher chances of a successful outcome.

ABMH’s Role in Prevention and Awareness

Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital, Pune conducts regular dental screening camps, free oral cancer screening programs, and community awareness sessions in schools, colleges, workplaces, and residential areas. These initiatives focus on tobacco cessation, moderation of alcohol, oral hygiene, nutrition, HPV awareness, and recognizing early warning signs.

A Life-Saving Message

Do not ignore persistent or painless mouth ulcers, voice changes, difficulty swallowing, or neck swellings lasting over a month. Early detection saves lives, timely consultation, screening, and treatment can turn a potentially complex cancer journey into a successfully managed condition.