Oral cancer develops in the mouth — the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, lips, or floor of the mouth. It is strongly linked to tobacco and areca nut (gutka) use and is common in India.
Diagnosed at another hospital? You’re welcome too, with no commitment to start treatment at CION.
About oral cancer
Oral cancer develops in the mouth — the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, lips, or floor of the mouth. It is strongly linked to tobacco and areca nut (gutka) use and is common in India. Caught early it is highly treatable, often with surgery alone; advanced disease needs combined surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Signs to watch for
A mouth ulcer that does not heal in 3 weeks
White or red patch inside the mouth
Difficulty opening the mouth fully
Pain or difficulty chewing and swallowing
A lump in the neck
Loose teeth without dental cause
Most of these have other causes too. If one lasts, see a doctor.
Who is at higher risk
Tobacco chewing, gutka, and pan masala
Smoking (bidi/cigarette)
Heavy alcohol use
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
Persistent sharp-tooth or denture irritation
Poor oral hygiene
Having a risk factor doesn’t mean you will get cancer.
How it’s diagnosed
A clinical oral examination is followed by a punch biopsy of the suspicious area. Imaging (CT/MRI of the face and neck, PET-CT when needed) maps the extent and lymph-node involvement before treatment.
Many of these tests can be arranged by your CION team in Vizag.
Treatment options
Your plan depends on the type and stage of the cancer and on your overall health. CION’s tumour board agrees on it with you.
1
Surgical removal of the tumour with reconstruction where required
Through CION’s network
2
Neck dissection for lymph-node disease
Through CION’s network
3
Radiation therapy, alone or after surgery
Through CION’s network
4
Chemotherapy combined with radiation in advanced stages
Your CION care team arranges network services and tells you where to go.
Who treats oral cancer at CION
Medical, surgical and radiation oncologists plan your care, and CION’s tumour board of 17 specialists reviews every case. Doctors you can see in the Vizag region are marked.
Medical oncologists 6
Treat cancer with medicines, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy.
Any ulcer or patch that has not healed in three weeks should be examined by a specialist, particularly if you use tobacco in any form.
2Will I be able to speak and eat after oral cancer surgery?
Reconstruction techniques and rehabilitation are planned alongside surgery to preserve speech and swallowing as much as possible. Your team will discuss the expected recovery for your specific case.
3Does quitting tobacco help after diagnosis?
Yes. Quitting improves treatment response, reduces complications, and lowers the risk of a second cancer. Our team supports quitting at any stage.
4Where is oral cancer treated near Vizag?
CION’s doctors see patients in Vizag. Consultations, chemotherapy and many tests can be arranged locally; surgery and radiation are done at partner centres, and your team tells you where to go. Call 1800 202 8726 to check where and when.
5Is the tumour board review free?
Yes. Every case is discussed by CION’s tumour board of specialists from all its centres, at no charge. Tests and treatment are paid for separately, and you get a written estimate first.
6How do I book a oral cancer consultation in Vizag?
Call 1800 202 8726 or use the form on this page. Our care team fixes a time and helps you organise the reports you already have.
Get one clear plan for your oral cancer
It starts with a consultation in Vizag. The tumour board review is free.
This page explains oral cancer care at CION Cancer Clinics, Vizag. It is general information, not medical advice. Your treatment plan is made only after a consultation and a review of your reports.