Oral Cancers

The lining of the lips, mouth, or upper throat can develop cancer, which is known as oral cancer or mouth cancer. In the mouth, it often begins as a painless white area that thickens, turns red in spots, develops into an ulcer, and keeps getting worse. It often appears on the lips as a slow-growing, persistent crusting ulcer that does not heal. Other signs and symptoms might be swallowing that is unpleasant or difficult, new lumps or bumps in the neck, a mouth swelling, or numbness in the lips or mouth. Alcohol and cigarette usage are risk factors. The risk of oral cancer is 15 times higher in those who use both alcohol and cigarettes than in people who do not. HPV infection is one of the additional risk factors  chewing paan, and sun exposure on the lower lip. Oral cancer is a subgroup of head and neck cancers.