Could that stubborn sore or patch inside your mouth be more than just irritation? In this in-depth deep dive, we unpack oral cancer—where it hides, why early detection matters, and how today’s treatments and prevention strategies can save lives.
🎯 What you’ll learn:
- Where oral cancers typically occur—tongue, gums, cheeks, and more
- The most common type: squamous cell carcinoma (~90%)
- Early warning signs: non-healing sores, red/white patches, bleeding, swelling
- Advanced symptoms: numbness, swallowing issues, ear pain, neck lumps
- How doctors diagnose—it starts with biopsy and involves imaging like CT, MRI, PET/CT
- Understanding staging (TNM system), key prognostic factors, and what they mean for survival
- Treatment tools: surgery, reconstruction, radiation, chemo, targeted drugs, immunotherapy
- Supportive care essentials for managing eating, speech, saliva, pain, and mental health
- Prevention tips: quit tobacco & alcohol, regular dental checkups, monthly self-exams
Whether you’re supporting a loved one, facing a diagnosis, or want to stay informed, this episode gives you the facts, the tools, and the hope you need.
