Tobacco is one of the most harmful substances used by millions of people around the world. While many people know about its link to lung cancer, fewer are aware that it is also a major cause of head and neck cancers. Recently, a leading doctor shared important details about how tobacco use can lead to cancer in the mouth, throat, and voice box, and also explained the early warning signs that everyone should know.
Tobacco contains many cancer-causing chemicals that enter your body when you smoke or chew it. These harmful substances directly touch your mouth, throat, and airways, where they can damage the cells. Over time, this damage leads to DNA changes, making the cells grow abnormally. When these abnormal cells multiply quickly and uncontrollably, cancer forms. Both smoking and chewing tobacco are dangerous and can cause oral cancer, throat cancer, voice box cancer, and even cancer in the nasal cavity.
According to Dr. Rajeev Mehta, a respected cancer specialist, head and neck cancers can be treated successfully if they are found early. Unfortunately, many people ignore the first signs or wait too long to see a doctor. Dr. Mehta lists several early warning signs that should never be ignored: a mouth sore that doesn’t heal in two weeks, difficulty swallowing, a lump in the neck or jaw, red or white patches inside the mouth, hoarseness or voice changes, numbness in the tongue, persistent ear pain, bleeding from the mouth or throat, loose teeth, and difficulty opening the mouth fully. These signs may appear without pain, so don’t wait until it hurts to take action.
Many lives can be saved through early detection. When cancer is caught early, the chances of successful treatment are much higher. Patients usually need less aggressive treatment, can recover faster, and often maintain their speech and appearance. However, most people come for treatment only when the cancer is already in its advanced stage, which makes it harder to treat and more expensive to manage.
People at high risk of head and neck cancer include those who smoke, chew tobacco, or drink alcohol regularly. Other risk factors include poor oral hygiene, exposure to industrial chemicals, infections like HPV and EBV, and having a family history of cancer. Men are more affected than women, and the risk increases with age, especially after 40 years.
Doctors use several tests to diagnose head and neck cancer. These include a physical examination, biopsy (removing a small tissue sample), and scans like CT, MRI, or PET to check the size and spread of the tumor. In some cases, an endoscopy is used to look deeper into the throat and voice box. These tests help doctors decide the best treatment plan.
Treatment depends on how far the cancer has spread. Options include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. If cancer is found early, only one treatment like surgery or radiation may be enough. But in later stages, a combination of treatments is often needed to fight the disease effectively.
The most important step to protect yourself is to quit tobacco use. The sooner you stop, the lower your risk of developing cancer. Secondhand smoke is also harmful, so avoid being around smokers. Limit alcohol use, maintain good oral hygiene, eat healthy food, and consider getting the HPV vaccine, which helps prevent some types of throat cancer.
Many people are now using e-cigarettes, gutkha, and vape pens, especially teenagers and young adults. These products are often advertised as safe alternatives, but they are still dangerous and contain nicotine and other toxic chemicals. Experts warn that early use of tobacco leads to a lifetime addiction and increases the risk of deadly diseases like cancer.
Real-life stories can inspire change. One such story is of Ramesh, a 42-year-old from Delhi, who survived oral cancer. He used to chew tobacco daily and ignored a small ulcer in his mouth until it became painful. He was diagnosed with stage 2 cancer and had to undergo surgery and radiation. Today, he is cancer-free and spends time raising awareness in rural areas. “I lost part of my jaw,” he says, “but I gained a new life. Quit tobacco before it’s too late.
Tobacco is a silent killer. It not only causes lung problems but is also a leading cause of head and neck cancer. You should learn the early signs, avoid tobacco, and encourage others to quit. Prevention and early detection can save thousands of lives every year. Don’t wait for a warning—act now, stay healthy, and help others do the same.
