Smoking Causes Mouth Cancer

One of the causes of mouth cancer in the world is smoking. There are more than 70 known carcinogens in tobacco smoke which directly cause damage to the DNA of cells that line the mouth, tongue, lips and throat. Mouth cancer is six times more likely in long-term smokers than non-smokers, and therefore, tobacco cessation is the most effective preventive measure that can be taken.

According to Dr. Sandeep Nayak, surgical oncologist,
“Smoking does not only augment the risk of mouth cancer, but it hastens the increase of tumours and also diminishes the effectiveness of treatment in those who smoke during the cancer management process..”

Understanding the biological link between smoking and mouth cancer helps patients recognise why tobacco cessation is the most critical step in prevention.

• Exposure to Carcinogenic Chemicals: tobacco smoke has nitrosamines, benzene, and formaldehyde which directly damage the DNA of the cells of the mouth and throat, causing cancerous cell division to occur uncontrollably over time.
• Chronic Inflammation: The constant exposure to tobacco smoke leads to inflammation of the mouth lining which is chronic and leaves an environment where abnormal cells are allowed to grow and multiply without healthy immune response.
• Less Saliva: Smoking lowers the normal production of saliva making the mouth less efficient in washing away the carcinogenic chemicals as well as repairing the initial cellular damage before it advances.
• Combination Risk and Alcohol: Smokers who take alcohol on a regular basis have a significantly increased risk of developing mouth cancer; the combination is much more lethal than either of the two substances alone.

Individuals with long-term tobacco or alcohol exposure should consider timely screening and evaluation for oral cancer, as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Smokers carry a significantly elevated mouth cancer risk and must stay vigilant about specific symptoms that require immediate specialist assessment.

1. Non-Healing Mouth Ulcers:  Any ulcer or sore located in the mouth that fails to heal in three weeks in a smoker should be examined by a specialist without any further delay.
2. White or Red Patches: Leukoplakia or erythroplakia patches on the tongue, inner cheeks, or gum line are direct precancerous alterations that are closely linked with prolonged tobacco use.
3. Persistent Hoarseness: The voice quality or hoarseness that persists more than two weeks in a smoker may be a sign of cancer involvement of the throat or the laryngeal region.
4. Difficulty Chewing or Swallowing: As the condition advances, the patient may experience difficulty in swallowing or chewing hard food, which is a severe symptom of smoking that may signify the presence of tumour growth that needs immediate cancer treatment.

When suspicious symptoms are identified, modern medicine approaches allow doctors to tailor investigations and treatment strategies based on individual tumour biology for more precise and effective care.

Smokers with ongoing mouth ulcers, inexplicable patches, voice alteration, or difficulty in swallowing need to consult oncology specialists at once and not just visit a general physician. Early diagnosis of mouth cancer reacts much more positively to treatment compared to cancer that has advanced substantially.

At MACS Clinic, Dr. Sandeep Nayak and the oncology team specialise in minimally invasive oral cancer surgery including the RIA-MIND procedure, which removes mouth tumours precisely while preserving speech, swallowing, and facial appearance for every patient.

📞 Call Now: +91 8035740000 Book your consultation for cancer treatment at MACS Clinic, Bangalore.