22nd April 2024

Oral cancer

Oral cancer comprises a group of malignancies affecting the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, and other oral structures. The majority of oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. The most significant risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, HPV infection (particularly high-risk strains such as HPV-16 and HPV-18), sun exposure (lip cancer), older age, male gender, a history of precancerous oral lesions, a weakened immune system, and a family history of oral cancer. Common symptoms of oral cancer include persistent mouth sores, red or white patches in the mouth, a lump or thickening of the oral tissues, difficulty swallowing or chewing, persistent sore throat, hoarseness, unexplained bleeding, numbness or pain in the mouth or lips, loose teeth, and changes in speech. Early detection through regular oral examinations is crucial for improving survival rates. Treatment modalities encompass surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, often used in combination.