Oral Cancer: A Silent Epidemic with Visible Warning Signs

NATIONWIDE - AUGUST 2025 - (USAnews.com) Despite its severity, public awareness remains limited, particularly in communities where tobacco, betel nut, and alcohol consumption are prevalent. As a dental clinician, academic, and researcher, I have witnessed the impact of this disease across continents—and the life-saving power of early detection.

Unlike many cancers, oral cancer often begins with visible and palpable changes in the mouth. This makes early identification not only possible but practical—especially during routine dental checkups.

The Early Signs We Shouldn’t Ignore

Common early symptoms include:

• Non-healing ulcers
  
  

• Red or white patches in the mouth
  
  

• Unexplained oral pain or numbness
  
  

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing

Any persistent oral changes lasting more than two weeks should prompt immediate evaluation by a dental professional.

Understanding Risk

Tobacco use remains the most significant risk factor, followed closely by alcohol and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. In South Asian countries, betel nut (areca nut) chewing is a major contributor to oral precancerous conditions.

Research has shown that habitual substance use significantly increases the risk of oral cancer. In my postgraduate research in India, we identified a strong correlation between habitual substance use and the appearance of red and white lesions—often the earliest signs of malignant transformation.

Technological Advances in Oral Cancer Detection

In recent years, research and innovation have opened new pathways for early, non-invasive diagnosis. Here are some of the advancements being made in this area:

• Biocheck: This device is still undergoing development. While it holds promise in early oral cancer detection, more clinical validation is required before it becomes a widely available tool.
  
  

• Caviscan: An AI-powered tool for lesion analysis, this technology is being tested in clinical settings, offering the potential for more precise early detection. As with any emerging technology, its application should be supported by peer-reviewed evidence before widespread adoption.
  
  

• Biosensor-based technologies: These aim to identify salivary biomarkers linked to oral squamous cell carcinoma. Ongoing research into these biomarkers shows promise, but further validation is needed before these technologies can be deployed on a large scale.

While these technologies are still evolving, they provide hope for a future where early detection is more accessible, especially in resource-limited settings.

Prevention Through Public Engagement

Clinical progress must go hand-in-hand with education. Over the past decade, I have led and supported oral health outreach initiatives, such as free cancer screening camps, school-based education programs, and anti-tobacco awareness drives—particularly in underserved and rural communities.

Our efforts have reached thousands and have led to the timely diagnosis and referral of early-stage lesions—potentially saving lives.

The Path Forward

Oral cancer is often preventable, largely treatable when caught early, and tragically lethal when ignored. Public health efforts must focus on:

• Routine oral cancer screening during dental visits
  
  

• Greater awareness of risk factors and early signs
  
  

• Reducing stigma around seeking care for oral symptoms

As clinicians and educators, we must advocate for integrating oral cancer screening into primary care and dental practice worldwide.

It is time to give oral cancer the public attention it demands—and deserves. With vigilance, education, and innovation, we can shift the trajectory of this disease from fatal to preventable.

Dr. Hiren Hansraj Patadiya is a practicing dentist, oral medicine specialist, researcher, and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (FICOI).  He has authored over 25 research articles and holds several patents in dental diagnostic technologies.

For more information, visit Dr. Hiren Patadiya’s Instagram.