Every cigarette packet displays the health warning sign – ‘smoking causes cancer’ as per the government’s rule. We are not sure how much these warning signs are effective in reducing the risk of smoking and encouraging cessation, but we can’t ignore the fact that tobacco use is increasingly contributing to the spread of cancer.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), tobacco use accounts for around 25% of all cancer deaths worldwide. While tobacco use is the primary cause of lung cancer death (almost 9 out of 10 lung cancer deaths occurred due to smoking), it also massively affects oral health.

Every year, there are approximately 77,000 new cases of mouth cancer diagnosed, and 52,000 cases of death occur in India. According to our oral cancer doctor in Noida, the cases of oral cancer are increasing at an alarming rate because, in most cases, people are diagnosed late due to a lack of awareness and knowledge about the disease.

To spread awareness of mouth cancer, we’ll discuss how smoking leads to mouth cancer and its severity.

Let’s dig deeper –

Mouth Cancer and Its Impact on Organs in the Mouth

Mouth cancer or oral cancer refers to malignant tumours that affect the lips, tongue, gums, inside of the cheeks, throat, roof and floor of the mouth and surrounding tissues. While mouth cancer can spread to any area of the mouth, it typically affects the tongue and the floor of the mouth.

Like any other cancer, mouth cancer can spread to other body parts if not diagnosed early. Hence, timely diagnosis and treatment by an expert oncologist in Noida are crucial.

Here are some early signs of mouth cancer –

• Recurrent mouth ulcers or sores that don’t heal

• Unexplained lump or thickening in the mouth

• Untimely loose teeth without any cause

• Bleeding from the mouth or lip

• Pain or numbness while chewing or speaking

• Red or white patches side the mouth

• Difficulty swallowing or persistent hoarseness

If you observe any of the above symptoms, you should immediately contact an expert oral cancer doctor in Noida so that they can diagnose and find out whether or not you have mouth cancer.

How Smoking and Mouth Cancer Are Connected

Tobacco contains a complex mixture of more than 7,000 chemicals. Among them, nicotine is the leading and most addictive chemical, while carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene and multiple polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are present in tobacco. Besides, tobacco contains heavy metals like cadmium and lead and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs). More than 70 of these chemicals are labelled as carcinogens or causing cancer.

Exposure to Carcinogens

When you smoke, you inhale harmful chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, and polonium-210, which are known as carcinogens. By smoking tobacco, your mouth comes directly exposed to these chemicals, leading to oral cell damage.

Weak Immune System

Long-term smoking weakens your immune system and its ability to detect and repair damaged cells. You become more prone to frequent infections, prolonged recovery and chronic fatigue. This weakened immunity fails to control the multiplication of mutated cells in the mouth, enhancing the risk of cancerous cell growth.

Nourishing Harmful Bacteria in the Mouth

Smoking cigarettes can decrease the production of saliva in the mouth, which plays a crucial role in washing away and destroying harmful bacteria and maintaining oral hygiene. Thus, smoking creates an ideal environment for the growth of cancerous cells in the mouth.

Synergetic Effects of Smoking with Alcohol

It’s a common observation that a lot of people combine smoking and drinking alcohol. According to our expert cancer doctor in Noida, the combination of these two habits dramatically increases the risk of developing mouth cancer, up to 30 times higher than non-smokers and non-drinkers.

Final Thought

Mouth cancer is a concerning issue that needs to be taken seriously. As every cigarette contributes to the cumulative risk of mouth cancer, quitting smoking today is the righteous step one can take to prevent it.

If you or someone you love is diagnosed with mouth cancer or detects any symptoms, you need to consult an expert oral cancer doctor in Noida, like Dr Manish Singhal, who has decades of experience and expertise in diagnosing and treating cancer.

Quit smoking today!

FAQs:

Does occasional smoking cause cancer?

Studies reveal that even occasional or light smokers can be exposed to the risk of having mouth cancer. So, even if you are not a chain smoker or daily smoker, you may be prone to cancer attacks even for occasional smoking.

Why does every cigarette matter for mouth cancer?

How many cigarettes you smoke every day and how long you smoke in your lifetime significantly determine your chance of having mouth cancer. While long-term smoking increases the risk of cancer, occasional and passive smoking can also be harmful to health.

Is mouth cancer treatable?

Yes, mouth cancer can be treated successfully if detected early. The chance of recovery depends on the stage of cancer and other health conditions. Visit an expert oncologist in Delhi to treat mouth cancer successfully.