It was just after Diwali in 2019 when Mr. Arvind Sharma, a 50-year-old father of two from Jaipur, began to feel something unusual inside his mouth. A tiny ulcer had formed on the inner side of his cheek. It wasn’t painful at first — more like a rough patch. Arvind, a busy LIC agent and a regular tobacco chewer for over 20 years, thought it was nothing serious. “Must be due to the spicy food,” he thought.
But weeks turned into months.
The ulcer didn’t go away. It got redder. Then white. Then hard. He began feeling slight discomfort while chewing, and soon, a mild burning pain developed whenever he sipped tea. Eventually, speaking for too long tired him out. But even then, he didn’t see a doctor.
By the time Arvind noticed swelling along his lower jaw and difficulty moving his tongue, his wife finally insisted: “This isn’t normal. We’re seeing a doctor.”
They first went to a general physician, then a dentist, who quickly recognized the signs and referred him to Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit, one of India’s leading Mouth Cancer Specialists.
The diagnosis was crushing:
Stage 3 Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma — Cancer of the Inner Cheek.
Understanding the Danger
Oral cancer — also known as mouth cancer — includes cancer of the lips, tongue, inner cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth, and the back of the throat. It’s common in India due to widespread use of smokeless tobacco, gutka, paan, bidi smoking, and alcohol.
What makes oral cancer so dangerous is its silent growth.
In the early stages, it shows no symptoms or very subtle ones:
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A persistent sore or ulcer that doesn’t heal
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A lump or thickening inside the mouth
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Difficulty or pain while swallowing
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Numbness of tongue or lips
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A red or white patch on the gums or cheek
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A loose tooth without dental cause
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Difficulty in speaking, chewing, or moving the jaw
In Mr. Arvind’s case, the cancer had already spread to nearby lymph nodes. He had to undergo surgery, followed by radiation and chemotherapy. The emotional and physical toll was enormous — for him and his family.
What Causes Oral Cancer?
Mouth cancer develops when cells in the mouth mutate and grow out of control, forming tumors. Common risk factors include:
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Tobacco use (smoking and smokeless)
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Alcohol consumption
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HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection
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Poor oral hygiene
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Family history of cancer
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Sun exposure (in the case of lip cancer)
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Chronic irritation, like sharp teeth or ill-fitting dentures
People like Mr. Arvind, who chew tobacco or drink daily, are 4–7 times more likely to develop mouth cancer.
Stages of Oral Cancer
Understanding the stages is critical:
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Stage 0 (Carcinoma in situ): Abnormal cells present, but not yet cancer.
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Stage 1: Tumor under 2 cm, hasn’t spread to lymph nodes.
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Stage 2: Tumor 2–4 cm, still no lymph node involvement.
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Stage 3: Tumor over 4 cm or has spread to one lymph node.
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Stage 4: Cancer has spread to multiple lymph nodes or other body parts.
Early detection at Stage 1 or 2 has a survival rate of up to 80–90%.
But once it reaches Stage 3 or 4, survival drops dramatically.
Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit’s Advice to the Public
Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit, who treated Mr. Arvind, stresses a vital point:
“By the time patients come to us, the cancer is often advanced. But it doesn’t have to be this way. If you use tobacco, smoke, or consume alcohol regularly — even socially — get your mouth examined twice a year. A 5-minute dental check can save your life.”
A Message from Arvind
Today, after months of treatment and lifestyle changes, Arvind is in remission. He quit tobacco completely and now actively raises awareness in his community.
“If I had gone to the dentist when the ulcer first appeared, I might have avoided surgery. I ignored the signs. Don’t make the same mistake I did. If something feels wrong in your mouth — get it checked. Don’t wait.”
How You Can Protect Yourself:
✅ Visit your dentist every 6 months for a full mouth examination
✅ Look out for any unusual patches, sores, pain, or swelling
✅ Avoid tobacco in all forms and limit alcohol consumption
✅ Maintain good oral hygiene and a balanced diet
✅ Consult a specialist like Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit if you’re at risk or notice symptoms
Final Words
Oral cancer doesn’t always shout.
Sometimes, it whispers quietly from behind your cheek, under your tongue, or inside your gums.
Listen to your body.
Catch it early. Fight it early. Live longer.
🔍 Share this story. Spread awareness. Save lives.
👨⚕️ For consultation, contact: Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit, Mouth Cancer Specialist
