Key Insights into Oral Cancer and Its Prevention

Discover vital facts about oral cancer, including causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Learn how lifestyle choices like tobacco and alcohol influence risk, and understand the importance of early diagnosis for effective management. Stay informed to protect your oral health and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms arise.

Oral cancer, also known as mouth or oral cavity cancer, occurs within the mouth and can spread elsewhere if untreated. Common sites include lips, tongue surface, gums, roof and floor of the mouth, as well as the inside cheeks, throat, and saliva glands. Typically, a tumor or lump appears, often accompanied by severe pain in the mouth, neck, or head regions.

Major risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, oral infections, poor diet, and inadequate oral hygiene. Excessive sun exposure and genetic predisposition also contribute to risk. Symptoms often involve persistent mouth soreness, lumps, bleeding, difficulty chewing, and speech issues. Early detection and treatment like surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy are essential for managing oral cancer.