Oral Cancer The risk of oral cancer is growing fast among the youth, tobacco and vaping are becoming deadly

News Topical, Digital Desk : Every year millions die from stubborn mouth ulcers. However, there are still many people who smoke and use tobacco products. Its symptoms will be described now. Early Warning Signs Of Oral Cancer: Tobacco use is killing millions of people around the world every year. But a large number of people still smoke and use tobacco related products. What is worrying is that the damage caused by tobacco is not only limited to lungs or heart, it also can cause serious diseases such as oral cancer. Some apparently common signs in the mouth can be early warning signs of cancer, but people often ignore them, experts say.

Why are the cases of oral cancer increasing?

“Oral cancer cases are increasing rapidly in the country but awareness about it is low,” Dr Amit Chakraborty told TOI. Many people take mouth ulcers, bleeding gums or other oral problems as normal. However, an ulcer that persists for longer than two weeks should not be overlooked. Such symptoms can be associated with oral cancer and if not diagnosed on time, it can become serious.

What are the symptoms?

Experts say not just ulcers, but also white or red spots inside the mouth, pain when chewing, any lumps or swelling, loose teeth and difficulty speaking or swallowing can be warning signs. Persistent bad breath or numbness in any part of the mouth should not be ignored. These symptoms are particularly prevalent in tobacco users.

Can mouth ulcers be cancer?

Not all mouth ulcers are cancerous, says Dr Amit Chakraborty. Ulcers of this type heal in three to four days and are not very uncomfortable But if the ulcer grows, hurts, bleeds easily, or makes eating, drinking or speaking difficult, you should see a specialist immediately. If white or red spots also appear, testing should not be postponed.

Young people caught in its grip

Oral cancer was predominantly in the 50 to 75 age range, but the landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. But cases are rising among young smokers and vapers 25-45. Experts believe this risk is linked to smoking, chewing tobacco, vaping, drinking alcohol and poor oral health.

What can I do?

If oral cancer is detected early, treatment stands a much better chance of success. “If treated early, patients have 80 to 90 percent chance of survival,” says Dr Amit Chakraborty.