Persistent mouth pain or inflammation for over two weeks? It could be oral cancer, not just stomatitis

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Oral cancer is often mistaken for more common conditions like stomatitis or gum disease, making early detection difficult. In many cases, symptoms are mild or pain is nonexistent in the early stages, allowing the disease to go untreated. Hwang Bo-yeon, a professor of oral and maxillofacial surgery at Korea University Anam Hospital, stressed the importance of early diagnosis, saying, “The later oral cancer is discovered, the harder it is to treat, and the larger the area that needs to be removed — which can lead to visible disfigurement.”

In an interview, Professor Hwang addressed key questions about the disease.

What are the symptoms of oral cancer?

“Symptoms are usually subtle in the early stages. If inflammation or pain inside the mouth persists for more than two weeks, it’s advisable to visit a dentist for an examination. In more severe cases, symptoms may include jaw pain and swelling, unexplained bleeding, or voice changes.”

What causes oral cancer?

“While the exact causes are still unclear, smoking is considered a primary risk factor. Harmful substances in tobacco can continuously irritate the mucous membranes in the mouth, increasing the likelihood of cell mutation into cancer. Other risk factors include alcohol consumption, the human papillomavirus (HPV) and poor oral hygiene.”

Where does oral cancer usually occur?

“Three out of 10 oral cancer patients develop tongue cancer, as the tongue is one of the most frequently exposed areas to external stimuli. The sides of the tongue, which come into frequent contact with teeth and dental prosthetics, are particularly vulnerable. Oral cancer can also develop on the gums or under the tongue.”

How is oral cancer treated?

“Treatment depends on the tumor’s location and how far the disease has progressed. Surgery is typically the first step, often followed by radiation or chemotherapy. During surgery, the tumor and affected surrounding tissues of the mouth, neck, or jaw are removed. Post-surgery, patients may experience difficulty speaking or eating, so rehabilitation is necessary.”

How can oral cancer be prevented?

“The earlier the diagnosis, the better the prognosis. The five-year survival rate for early-stage oral cancer is over 90 percent. As the disease progresses, the survival rate drops significantly, making regular checkups critical. The condition is more common among men who smoke and drink heavily, so quitting smoking and reducing alcohol consumption are recommended. Ill-fitting dentures or dental prosthetics that repeatedly injure the oral mucosa can also trigger cancer, so routine examinations are essential.”

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.