Persistent mouth sores, unexplained pain or numbness, red or white patches, difficulty swallowing, or lumps in the oral cavity could be early indicators of oral cancer.
Doctors at Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS) highlighted these warning signs during a continuing medical education (CME) session on Thursday.
Screening and Awareness for Early Detection
The Department of Dentistry organized a screening and awareness p Oralrogram to stress the importance of early detection and prevention. Speaker Dr. Gaurav Singh, an oncologist at Kalyan Singh Super Speciality Cancer Institute, advised individuals to seek medical attention if a sore does not heal within two weeks or if they experience persistent pain or numbness in the mouth.
Tobacco: The Leading Cause of Oral Cancer
Prof. Shally Mahajan emphasized that tobacco use remains the primary cause of oral cancer. Dean Prof. Pradyumn Singh pointed out that India has the highest mortality rate for this disease, making awareness and prevention crucial.
Role of Dentists in Early Diagnosis
CMS Prof. AK Singh underscored the vital role of dentists and maxillofacial surgeons in detecting oral cancer at an early stage. He discussed pre-cancerous symptoms and various management strategies that can help improve patient outcomes.
As reported by timesofindia.indiatimes.com, experts urged the public to stay vigilant, avoid tobacco, and seek timely medical advice to reduce oral cancer risks.