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Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide.
Diagnosis made at an advanced stage is a problem shared across all countries.
Early detection is the most important step to reduce mortality rates: when diagnosed at the first stage, patients have over a 90% survival rate.
Oral cancer is a disease that is, in most cases, fatal if not detected and treated in its early stages. The role of the dentist and dental hygienist is crucial in prevention and early detection.
In its initial stages, it often causes no obvious symptoms but may appear as white or red patches, persistent ulcers, or localized pain/burning.
It most commonly develops on the lateral borders of the tongue and the floor of the mouth; less frequent sites include the gums, buccal mucosa, retromolar trigone, and palate.
Smoking and tobacco
Cigarette smoking or chewing tobacco are among the main risk factors.
Alcohol
Excessive and prolonged alcohol consumption can damage the tissues of the mouth.
Papilloma Virus (HPV)
Oral transmission of HPV increases cases, especially among younger people.
Trauma and poor hygiene
Poorly fitted prostheses, inadequate hygiene, and poor nutrition.
An oral lesion or mucosal alteration that does not heal spontaneously within two weeks should be considered potentially malignant until proven otherwise.
This principle, known as the “14-day rule”, is recommended by the World Health Organization and several international guidelines.
Promptly recognizing an abnormality and consulting a dentist is the first step toward increasing the chances of early diagnosis and recovery.
A lesion that does not heal within two weeks should always be carefully evaluated.
The dentist is the key figure in recognizing and detecting early signs of risk.
Thanks to autofluorescence and special lenses, Goccles helps detect alterations not visible to the naked eye, improving screening.
Prevention and diagnosis
Oral cancer is an insidious disease because, in its early stages, it often causes no noticeable symptoms.
This is why prevention plays a key role: regular dental check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and attention to any lesions on the mucosa can make a real difference.
Early diagnosis significantly increases the chances of recovery, with survival rates exceeding 90% when detected at an initial stage.
Never underestimate small lesions or persistent symptoms: lumps, ulcers, or white and red spots may hide a serious condition. Scheduling a dental check-up at least once a year — or more frequently if risk factors such as smoking and alcohol are present — is the first step to protecting your health.
When oral cancer is detected in its early stage, the chances of recovery exceed 90%. The main issue is that symptoms are often overlooked or mistaken for less serious conditions. This is why oral cavity screening should be an essential part of every dental examination.
Dentists and dental hygienists play a central role in prevention. Through clinical examination and support tools such as autofluorescence visualization devices, they can detect suspicious lesions early and guide patients toward timely diagnosis.
