Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers and one of the 10 most common causes of death in the world. Epidemiological studies have shown that the prevalence of oral cancer varies from less than 0.1% to over 40% in different parts of the world. Unfortunately, the majority of oral cancers are diagnosed in advanced stages after becoming symptomatic. In comparison with malignant neoplasms at other body sites, oral carcinoma has a poor prognosis. The survival rate is dependent on diagnosis in early stages of disease, younger age, and change in risk-promoting lifestyle. In this paper written for general practitioners and Dentists, the epidemiology, clinical presentations, etiology, diagnostic aids and treatment of oral cancer are reviewed.