This article offers essential insights into early detection, symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies for oral cancer. It emphasizes the importance of regular screenings, self-examinations, and timely medical intervention to improve treatment success rates and save lives.

Unhealed sores, unusual bumps, or persistent growths inside the mouth may indicate oral cancer. Annually, about 50,000 people receive diagnoses, with men accounting for the majority of cases. Commonly affected areas include lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, and throat. Early detection through regular screenings significantly increases treatment success. Dental check-ups often include mouth examinations to spot precancerous or abnormal cells. Key diagnostic procedures include visual inspections, biopsies, and specialized throat examinations. Symptoms like lumps, patches, bleeding, or difficulty swallowing should prompt immediate medical consultation. Risk factors encompass sun exposure, HPV infection, smoking, alcohol, and weakened immunity. Prevention involves avoiding excessive sun, protecting lips, and maintaining good oral hygiene. Self-examinations help identify early signs like swellings or sores, enabling prompt treatment such as surgery or radiation. Regular dental visits and awareness are essential for early detection and improved outcomes in oral cancer management.