Diagnosis:
1. Thorough examination of the oral cavity and the neck region conducted without neglecting any area may show hard lumps of tissues, which may indicate cancer. The patient is assessed for any suspicious tissue changes, which may include a white, red or a mixed white or red lesion.
2. Imaging the lesion using x-ray films, CT scan and advanced diagnostic techniques such as MRI helps in defining the location and extent of the cancerous growth.
3. Microscopic examination of a tissue specimen from the suspected lesion is the best method to confirm or rule out oral cancer. It gives  the exact type and nature of cancer.

Treatment:

The principle objective is to cure the patient of cancer. The choice of treatment depends upon factors such as cancer cell type, amount of changes in the cell, size and location of the cancerous growth. 
 
Surgery or radiation is used with curative intent in treatment of cancer. Chemotherapy (Medicines) is used as an additional form of treatment. In early lesion either surgery or radiation as a form of treatment would suffice. But in an advanced condition, a combination of both surgery and radiation is required. 
 
There is rarely a second chance available for cure. Hence the initial approach of treatment is critical. The survival rates after early detection and treatment of cancer have been noted to be 70%. Chemotherapy (Medicines) is a weak substitute for the above-mentioned treatment. 
 
More Information: 
Tobacco utilization either in the form of smoking or chewing is an important factor in the development of oral cancer. About 97% of oral cancer victims are known to be associated with tobacco either in the form of smoking or chewing. Pipe smoking and cigar smoking have been known to increase the risk levels by a few folds. Among the various habits associated with tobacco, tobacco chewing is known to cause oral cancer more rapidly than any of the other habits. This is because of the direct and repeated contact of the tobacco with the mucous membrane of the oral cavity.