Oral cancer specialists emphasize early diagnosis and risk factors

Medical professionals are highlighting the critical importance of early detection for oral cancer, noting that while the mortality rate can reach 45 percent due to complications, the cure rate is approximately 90 percent if identified in the early stages.

Key symptoms to monitor include persistent sores that do not heal within three weeks, white or red patches, lumps, swelling in the mouth or neck, difficulty swallowing, and hoarseness. Experts warn that these changes should not be ignored even if they are painless.

Primary risk factors include tobacco use in all forms, such as cigarettes and electronic cigarettes, as well as excessive alcohol consumption and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Regular dental examinations are recommended to identify suspicious lesions, such as nodules or hardening of the tissue, before they progress.