CION Ameerpet
Medically reviewed by Dr. Muralidhar Muddusetty, Surgical Oncologist · Last reviewed June 2026
Mouth cancer, also called oral cancer, can begin as a sore, patch or lump that does not heal. Spotted early, it is highly treatable. At CION Cancer Clinics, a tumor board of medical, surgical and radiation oncologists plans your care together — no rushed decisions, no unnecessary tests.
Mouth cancer — also known as oral cancer — is a cancer that grows in the tissues of the mouth. It can start in the lips, gums, tongue, the inner lining of the cheeks, the roof of the mouth or the floor of the mouth. Most mouth cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which begin in the thin, flat cells that line these surfaces.
It often starts as a small change that does not heal — a sore, a red or white patch, or a lump. Because the mouth is easy to see and feel, many of these changes can be noticed early. Found early, mouth cancer is highly treatable. Any change that lasts longer than two to three weeks deserves a check-up with a doctor or dentist.
India accounts for roughly one-third of the world's oral cancer cases, driven largely by chewing tobacco, gutkha and betel quid (areca nut). Because the mouth is easy to examine, most of these cancers can be caught at an early, more treatable stage. Source: ICMR / National Cancer Registry Programme.
None of these always mean cancer — but if any lasts more than two to three weeks, get it checked.
Most mouth cancers are linked to lifestyle factors you can change. Avoiding these is the most effective way to lower your risk.
Smoking, gutkha, khaini, zarda and paan masala all sharply raise the risk. Smokeless tobacco held against the cheek or gum is especially harmful.
Chewing paan with areca nut (supari), with or without tobacco, is a major cause of mouth cancer across South Asia.
Alcohol raises the risk on its own. Used together with tobacco, the two multiply the risk well beyond either alone.
Certain HPV infections, prolonged sun exposure to the lips, and a diet low in fruits and vegetables can also contribute.
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Trained at AIIMS, Tata Memorial, and leading international centres. Combined 150+ years of experience. Every complex case is reviewed by 3+ of them — together.
MBBS(Gold Medal), DNB(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Gold Medal)
MBBS, MD(General Medicine), DM(Medical Oncology)(Adyar,Chennai), ECMO, MRCP SCE(UK)
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DrNB (Medical Oncology), ECMO, MRCP SCE (Medical Oncology) (UK)
MBBS (AIIMS), MS (Surgery) (AIIMS), DNB (Surgical Oncology), MRCS (Edinburgh)
MBBS, MS(General Surgery), M.Ch(Surgical Oncology), FMAS, FARIS(Ongoing)
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), DrNB (Surgical Oncology), FALS Oncology
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Medical, surgical and radiation oncologists plan every mouth cancer case together. Book a free consultation to discuss your diagnosis.
Getting the diagnosis right matters. Each step builds a clear, evidence-based picture before any treatment begins.
A doctor examines the mouth, lips, tongue and neck, looking for sores, patches, lumps or swollen lymph nodes.
A small tissue sample is taken from the suspicious area. A pathologist examines it under a microscope to confirm whether cancer is present and what type it is.
Scans such as CT, MRI or PET-CT show the size of the tumour and whether it has spread to lymph nodes or beyond. This is how the stage is determined.
At CION, findings are discussed by a tumor board of specialists so a single, agreed treatment plan is made — not one doctor's opinion.
Treatment depends on the stage and location. Often two or more approaches are combined, and care is planned by a team.
Removing the tumour and, where needed, affected lymph nodes. Reconstruction can restore appearance and function.
Targeted high-energy beams destroy cancer cells, used alone or alongside surgery and chemotherapy.
Medicines that treat cancer throughout the body, often combined with radiation for advanced cases.
Speech, swallowing and nutrition support, plus psycho-oncology — healing beyond medicine.
Early detection and team-led, evidence-based care improve outcomes.
| Cancer | CION | National average |
|---|---|---|
| Oral cancer | 80.0% | 71.6% |
*1-year survival. Source: ICMR / National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP).
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Start Your Story. Book Free Consultation.Mouth cancer, also called oral cancer, is a cancer that develops in the tissues of the mouth. It can begin in the lips, gums, tongue, the inner lining of the cheeks, the roof of the mouth, or the floor of the mouth. Most mouth cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, which start in the flat cells lining these surfaces. Finding it early gives the best chance of successful treatment, so any change that does not heal within two to three weeks should be checked by a doctor.
Common early signs include a mouth ulcer or sore that does not heal within two to three weeks, a red or white patch inside the mouth, a lump or thickening in the cheek, unexplained bleeding, persistent mouth pain, difficulty chewing or swallowing, and a feeling that something is caught in the throat. Loose teeth or a change in how dentures fit can also be a sign. None of these always mean cancer, but persistent symptoms deserve a professional examination.
The main risk factors for mouth cancer are tobacco use in any form — smoking, gutkha, khaini or paan masala — and chewing betel quid (areca nut). Heavy alcohol use raises the risk further, and tobacco plus alcohol together raise it more than either alone. Other factors include certain HPV infections, prolonged sun exposure to the lips, and a diet low in fruits and vegetables. Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol are the most effective ways to lower your risk.
Diagnosis usually begins with a physical examination of the mouth and neck. If an area looks suspicious, the doctor takes a small tissue sample, called a biopsy, which a pathologist examines under a microscope to confirm cancer. Imaging tests such as a CT scan, MRI or PET-CT may follow to find out the size of the tumour and whether it has spread. At CION, findings are discussed by a tumor board so a clear, evidence-based plan is made for each patient.
Yes. Mouth cancer is treatable, and outcomes are best when it is found early. Treatment depends on the stage and location and may involve surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or a combination. Reconstruction and rehabilitation help restore speech, swallowing and appearance. CION reports a 1-year survival rate of 80.0% for oral cancer compared with the national average of 71.6% (*1-year survival; source ICMR/NCRP). A team of medical, surgical and radiation oncologists plans care together.
The most important step is to avoid all forms of tobacco, including cigarettes, gutkha, khaini and betel quid with areca nut. Limiting alcohol, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, protecting your lips from strong sun, and keeping up regular dental check-ups all help. A dentist or doctor can spot suspicious patches early during a routine examination. If you use tobacco, quitting at any age lowers your risk, and support is available to help you stop.