Dr. Vishakha Agarwal, Oral and Maxillofacial Oncosurgeon at HCG Cancer Centre
Vadodara

 

How long should a mouth ulcer last before you worry? When does a hoarse voice stop being
"just a cold"? And could a seemingly harmless lump in the neck be more than a swollen gland?

 

For many people, the answer is simple: wait it out. Home remedies, over the  counter gels, and
the hope that symptoms will disappear are often the first and only the response. Yet these
seemingly minor complaints can sometimes be the earliest warning signs of head and neck
cancer.

 

Observed every year on July 27, World Head and Neck Cancer Day aims to raise awareness
about a disease that remains one of the most common cancers in India. Persistent mouth
ulcers, unexplained irritation, changes in the mouth or throat, hoarseness, swelling in the neck,

 

or symptoms involving the voice box, sinuses, or salivary glands are often overlooked until the
cancer has progressed to an advanced stage.

 

In India, most cases trace back to tobacco and areca nut consumption but since the condition
has same face as a dozen everyday illnesses makes it a global challenge to tackle.

 

How do you tell it apart from everyday illness?
There ;s no home test for this. What separates cancer from an ordinary ulcer or sore throat is
time. Head and neck cancers make up roughly 30% of all cancers diagnosed in India, driven
largely by tobacco, which accounts for up to 80% of cases. Combine heavy alcohol with tobacco

 

and the risk intensifies further. When a symptom won& ;t resolve, that persistence is the cue to
get an examination done. Anything that lasts more than two to three weeks needs a doctor, not
another home remedy.

 

Seven symptoms to watch for
A white or red patch inside the mouth: Patches that don& ;t heal or wipe away can signal changes
in the cells beneath.

 

A mouth ulcer or sore that lasts over two weeks: Most ulcers heal within ten days, and one that
doesn ;t heal within that time period demands attention.

 

Persistent hoarseness: Even a sudden change in voice points to changes on or near the vocal
cords.

 

Difficulty or pain while swallowing: Its a sign the throat is under strain and needs to be
examined.

 

 

A lump or swelling in the neck: The condition is often the first clue that a cancer growth nearby
has reached a lymph node.

 

Persistent sore throat or ear pain with no infection: Ear pain with no ear cause can originate
elsewhere in the head and neck.

 

Unexplained loosening of teeth or ill fitting dentures: Indicates changes in the jawbone or gum
tissue.

 

Individually, these symptoms may seem like just any day to day discomfort, but when they last
long and more than one symptom appears, it is the body asking for support.
Early detection is not a catchphrase. It is a lifesaving mechanism.

 

The survival rates fall drastically when the cancer is caught late and when it has spread to the
cells nearby. When detected early, surgery and radiotherapy are enough to add years to

 

someone s life while also keeping speech, swallowing, and appearance intact. When caught
late, patients frequently need a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, with
a much heavier toll on both patients and caregivers alike.
Know the risks

 

Tobacco in any form carries the highest risk in India, followed by heavy alcohol use. Poor oral
hygiene is the most underestimated risk of all, as lack of discipline in oral cleanliness leads to
cancers of the mouth. Regular dental check-ups are preventive measures that cannot be

 

ignored. Family history is another risk factor too, and understanding these factors lets people
make informed decisions about screening and care, rather than leaving it to chance.

 

The role of screening and self awareness
A routine oral and neck examination goes a long way toward catching this early. For anyone
who uses tobacco or areca nut regularly, periodic oral screening is strongly recommended. But

 

awareness has to start at home with a monthly self-check for lumps, growths, voice changes,
patches, or unusual coloring. If anything looks off, see a doctor, dentist, ENT, or physician who
can refer you onward.

 

Head and neck cancer often begin with symptoms so ordinary they ;re easy to dismiss. This
World Head and Neck Cancer Day, pass the message on. Dont wait for symptoms to worsen.

 

Awareness, timely screening, and a prompt examination dont just catch cancer sooner. If a
symptom lasts more than two weeks, it deserves attention because in head and neck cancer,
small signs carry big consequences.