Oral cancer is often associated with certain risk factors, including tobacco use (smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, as well as chewing tobacco), excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged exposure to the sun (which can affect the lips), and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Poor diet, weakened immune system, and genetic predisposition can also contribute to its development.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer include:

• Persistent mouth sores or ulcers.
• Lumps at the sides of the cheek.
• White or red patches on the gums or tongue.
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing food.
• Unexplained bleeding from the gums.
• Facial numbness.
• Unexplained sore throat.
• Inability to move jaws.

Staging helps an oral cancer specialist determine the extent to which the cancer has spread in the body and aids oral cancer treatment planning. Staging depends on 3 main factors which include:

• Size of the tumor
• Impact on lymph nodes
• Extent of metastasis

There are 4 stages of Oral Cancer from early and localized i.e Stage 1 to Stage 4 that suggests the spread of cancer to other surrounding body parts.

Diagnosis of oral cancer involves a physical examination (investigation of the inside of the mouth), imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, or PET scans to assess the extent of the disease. A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue from the abnormal area of the mouth and its examination under a microscope to decipher whether it is benign or malignant.