Oral Cancer: A Silent Killer?

Oral Cancer: A Silent Killer? | Dr. Sachender Pal Singh, Head & Neck Oncosurgeon

By Dr. Sachender Pal Singh
Consultant Head & Neck Surgical Oncologist, Ranchi
Ranchi Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (RCHRC)

Introduction

Oral cancer is often called a “silent killer” — not because it has no symptoms, but because it is ignored until it’s too late. As a Head & Neck Oncosurgeon, Dr. Sachender Pal Singh has seen firsthand how delayed diagnosis can turn a curable disease into a life-threatening condition.

In India, especially in eastern states like Jharkhand, oral cancer remains one of the most common cancers due to widespread tobacco and smokeless tobacco use. Through this blog, Dr. Sachender Pal Singh aims to raise awareness, promote early detection, and help save lives.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer refers to cancers arising from:

• Tongue
• Gums
• Cheeks (buccal mucosa)
• Floor of mouth
• Palate and lips

More than 90% of oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. According to GLOBOCAN data, India contributes a significant burden of global oral cancer cases. As explained by Dr. Sachender Pal Singh, early-stage oral cancer is highly curable, but most patients present in advanced stages.

Why Is Oral Cancer Called a Silent Killer?

Oral cancer is visible — but often ignored. Early signs are painless and subtle, so patients delay seeking medical advice.

“Oral cancer is not silent in symptoms — it is silent in society’s reaction.”

Common Signs and Symptoms

If you notice any of the following lasting more than 2 weeks, consult a specialist immediately:

• Mouth ulcer that doesn’t heal
• White or red patch inside the mouth
• Lump or growth in the mouth
• Loose teeth without reason
• Difficulty in swallowing or speaking
• Ear pain
• Neck swelling (lymph nodes)

Major Risk Factors

• 🚬 Smokeless tobacco (gutkha, khaini, pan masala)
• 🚭 Smoking
• 🍺 Alcohol
• 🦠 HPV infection
• 🦷 Poor oral hygiene
• 🔥 Chronic irritation

Pre-Cancerous Conditions You Should Not Ignore

• Leukoplakia (white patches)
• Erythroplakia (red patches)
• Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF)
• Oral lichen planus

Myths About Oral Cancer

• ❌ It’s not serious unless it hurts
• ❌ Only old people get oral cancer
• ❌ Biopsy spreads cancer

Truth: Oral cancer can affect young people, may be painless, biopsy is safe, and early diagnosis saves lives.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Early-stage oral cancer can often be treated with simple surgery and has excellent cure rates. Advanced disease requires major surgery, reconstruction, and radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Dr. Sachender Pal Singh specializes in advanced head & neck cancer surgery and microvascular free flap reconstruction to restore speech, swallowing, and appearance.

Can Oral Cancer Be Prevented?

• ✔️ Quit tobacco in all forms
• ✔️ Limit alcohol
• ✔️ Maintain oral hygiene
• ✔️ Regular dental and oral checkups
• ✔️ Early consultation for any mouth lesion

Message from Dr. Sachender Pal Singh

“Oral cancer is preventable, detectable, and curable — if we act early.”

About the Author

Dr. Sachender Pal Singh is a Consultant Head & Neck Surgical Oncologist at Ranchi Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (RCHRC), Jharkhand. He is committed to delivering evidence-based, patient-centred cancer care in eastern India.

📍 For consultation with Dr. Sachender Pal Singh, Head & Neck Oncosurgeon in Ranchi, contact Ranchi Cancer Hospital & Research Centre.