Oral Cancer and Oral Oncology focus on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancers affecting the mouth and surrounding structures. Oral cancer can develop in the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth (palate), or the throat (oropharynx). Early detection is crucial for successful treatment.
1. Types of Oral Cancer
🦠 Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) – The most common type (over 90% of oral cancers).
🦠 Verrucous Carcinoma – A slow-growing, less aggressive type of SCC.
🦠 Adenocarcinoma – Cancer of the salivary glands.
🦠 Melanoma – A rare but aggressive form affecting pigmented tissues in the mouth.
🦠 Lymphomas – Cancers that develop in the lymphoid tissues of the oral cavity.
2. Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
🚬 Tobacco Use – Smoking (cigarettes, cigars, pipes) and smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco, snuff).
🍺 Alcohol Consumption – Excessive alcohol use increases risk.
🦠 Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – HPV-16 is linked to oropharyngeal cancer.
☀️ Excessive Sun Exposure – Can lead to lip cancer.
⚠️ Poor Oral Hygiene – Chronic irritation from ill-fitting dentures or sharp teeth.
🧬 Genetics & Family History – Some inherited factors may increase risk.
3. Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
⚠️ Persistent Mouth Sores – Non-healing ulcers lasting more than two weeks.
⚠️ White or Red Patches (Leukoplakia / Erythroplakia) – Precancerous lesions.
⚠️ Lumps or Thickening in the Mouth or Neck – Swelling that doesn’t go away.
⚠️ Difficulty Swallowing or Chewing – Can indicate advanced cancer.
⚠️ Numbness or Pain in the Mouth – Unexplained discomfort.
⚠️ Hoarseness or Chronic Sore Throat – Especially if persistent.
⚠️ Unexplained Weight Loss – Can be a symptom of systemic cancer.
4. Diagnosis of Oral Cancer
🩺 Clinical Examination – Checking for abnormalities in the mouth and throat.
🦷 Biopsy – Removing a small tissue sample for microscopic analysis.
📸 Imaging Tests –
X-rays & CT Scans – To check for tumor spread.
MRI – Provides detailed soft tissue imaging.
PET Scan – Detects cancer metastasis in the body.
🔬 HPV Testing – If HPV-related cancer is suspected.
5. Stages of Oral Cancer
📊 Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ) – Abnormal cells are present but not invasive.
📊 Stage I & II – Small tumors localized in the mouth.
📊 Stage III – Larger tumors or those that have spread to nearby lymph nodes.
📊 Stage IV – Advanced cancer with distant spread (metastasis).
6. Treatment Options for Oral Cancer
🩻 Surgery – Removal of tumors, possibly with reconstructive surgery.
🔥 Radiation Therapy – High-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
💊 Chemotherapy – Medications to destroy or slow cancer growth.
💡 Targeted Therapy – Drugs that attack specific cancer cell mechanisms.
🦠 Immunotherapy – Boosting the body’s immune response against cancer.
7. Prevention of Oral Cancer
✅ Quit Smoking & Tobacco Use – Reduces risk significantly.
✅ Limit Alcohol Consumption – Especially when combined with smoking.
✅ Protect Against HPV – HPV vaccination can prevent related cancers.
✅ Maintain Good Oral Hygiene – Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups.
✅ Use Sun Protection for Lips – SPF lip balm and avoiding excessive sun exposure.
✅ Regular Oral Cancer Screenings – Early detection improves survival rates.