Oral cancer can develop in various parts of the mouth, such as the lips, tongue, inner cheeks, gums, and floor of the mouth. Early detection is crucial, so dentists urge patients to seek professional care at the first sign of symptoms to improve treatment outcomes.
Regular dental checkups are key to prevention. Experts recommend visiting a dentist or doctor twice a year for comprehensive oral exams, which help spot unusual changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Early symptoms of oral cancer are often subtle or absent, making routine screenings especially important for high-risk individuals. Those who smoke or consume alcohol regularly have a higher chance of developing oral cancer and should consider more frequent visits.
Warning signs include persistent mouth sores, unusual lumps, difficulty chewing or swallowing, changes in tissue color, bleeding, numbness, or unexplained pain. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to cancer spreading beyond the mouth, increasing health risks.
Oral cancer progresses in stages, from localized growth to advanced spread. Treatment varies by stage and can involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of these.
Specialists like Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit stress the importance of awareness and monitoring. Recognizing symptoms early and maintaining regular checkups greatly enhance the chances of successful treatment and recovery.