Oral cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults, with experts pointing to the growing use of smokeless tobacco products such as gutkha, paan masala, flavoured supari and nicotine pouches. While tobacco and areca nut remain the leading causes in India, poor oral hygiene, excessive alcohol consumption, chronic mouth irritation, HPV infection and genetic factors may also contribute. Doctors warn that any mouth ulcer lasting longer than two weeks, persistent white or red patches, unexplained bleeding, difficulty swallowing or a lump in the neck should be evaluated promptly. Early diagnosis greatly improves treatment outcomes and helps preserve speech, swallowing and overall quality of life.
Read more at Firstpost