Oral cancer begins in the mouth (oral cavity). This region of the body includes the lips, the inside lining of the lips and cheeks, the teeth, the gums, most of the tongue, the bottom of the mouth, and roof of the mouth. It can also develop in the throat.

Cancer can develop in any part of the oral cavity. Because each part of the oral cavity is different, oral cancer encompasses a wide variety of cancer types that are treated in different ways.

Some of the most common oral cancer symptoms and signs include persistent mouth sore, a lump or thickening in the cheek, a white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth, sore throat, difficulty swallowing or chewing, difficulty moving the jaw or tongue, numbness of the tongue or elsewhere in the mouth, swelling of the jaw, loosening of the teeth, pain in the teeth or jaw, voice changes, weight loss and persistent bad breath.

Risk factors include gender (more common in men than women), age, exposure to ultraviolet rays, family history and consumption of tobacco, alcohol, gutkha etc.