Unfortunately, the diagnosis cannot be made in the early period because oral cancers initially change and develop insidiously. Stating that the diagnosis of oral cancers is mostly made after the cases give symptoms, Istanbul Gelisim University Dental Hospital Specialist Dentist Asst. Prof. Dr. Gülfem Özlü Uçan said, "When symptoms are seen, the disease reaches an advanced stage of 60%. When diagnosed early, it can be relatively easy to treat, and the survival rate is quite high. Therefore, early diagnosis is critical for patients' survival. It is of great importance for dentists to determine the risk groups of their patients and to raise awareness in patients at high risk for oral cancer."
Early diagnosis is crucial!
Oral cancers can start directly as cancer and often develop with the cancerization of the precancerous lesion. Stating that dentists have a great responsibility since early diagnosis is very critical, Specialist Dentist Gülfem Özlü Uçan: "To make the diagnosis, dentists need to be able to detect oral cancers and precancerous lesions, and their level of knowledge and awareness on this issue must be high. It has been demonstrated by researchers that a significant reduction in the occurrence and mortality rate of oral cancer can be achieved by raising awareness in patients at high risk for oral cancer and performing regular follow-up examinations."
Beware of these symptoms!
Stating that a comprehensive oral mucosal examination should be performed in the patient's examination, Asst. Prof. Dr. Gülfem Özlü Uçan, “This examination takes only a few minutes of the physician's time and is seen as the most effective way to detect lesions suspected of oral cancer. When we talk about the symptoms that individuals should pay attention to, which may suggest oral cancers or tumors; necessary measures should be taken in cases such as red, white lesions that cannot be scraped, suspicious wounds, pain felt in the mouth, jaw and face for more than four weeks, unexplained swelling in the neck recently, difficulty swallowing for more than three weeks, mobility (loose tooth) for more than three weeks not associated with any trauma or periodontal disease and unexplained bone lesions. "
