Oral Cavity Cancer

Non-healing sores on lips or inside mouth, white/red patches (leukoplakia/erythroplakia), lumps, or thickening signal early disease. Persistent pain, bleeding, numbness, loose teeth, or swallowing difficulty arise later. Jaw swelling or voice changes may indicate spread.?

Causes and Risk Factors

Tobacco (smoking/chewing) and heavy alcohol use synergize as primary drivers, with HPV infection rising in incidence. Poor oral hygiene, betel nut, sun exposure (lips), and chronic irritation contribute; men over 50 predominate.?

Diagnosis and Staging

Visual exam, biopsy confirm diagnosis; CT/MRI/PET assess extent via TNM: T (tumor), N (nodes), M (metastasis).

Treatment Options

Surgery (excision, neck dissection) leads for early stages, followed by radiation/chemotherapy. Targeted therapy/immunotherapy aids advanced cases; reconstruction preserves function. Five-year survival nears 90% for localized disease.