Early Detection of Oral Cancer: Health Experts’ Insights

Seminar Highlights Importance of Awareness and Prevention

PAKISTAN: Health experts have emphasized the critical need for early detection and awareness of oral cancer, a disease that often remains undiagnosed until it has reached an advanced and dangerous stage. These insights were shared during a public awareness seminar titled “Young Generation & Oral Cancer” held at Liaquat National Hospital, where leading professionals discussed the various causes, symptoms, and preventive measures related to oral cancer. The seminar aimed to educate the public on how to identify early warning signs and adopt preventive measures to combat this deadly disease.

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Tobacco Use: A Leading Cause of Oral Cancer

Professor Tauqir Ul Islam (pictured), a consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon and the head of the Department at Liaquat National Hospital, highlighted tobacco use as one of the most significant risk factors for oral cancer. “There are approximately 600 ingredients in cigarettes, and when burned, cigarettes produce more than 7,000 chemicals. At least 70 of these are known to cause damage to the cells in the mouth and throat, increasing the risk of developing cancer over time,” Prof. Islam explained. He stressed that both smoking and chewing tobacco, including forms like gutka and paan masala, are leading causes of oral cancer in Pakistan.

In addition to tobacco, Prof. Islam pointed out that excessive alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection also contribute significantly to the development of oral cancer. He urged individuals with a family history of cancer or a weakened immune system to be particularly vigilant.

Recognizing Symptoms and Taking Preventive Measures

During the seminar, Prof. Islam described several symptoms of oral cancer that should not be ignored. These include persistent mouth sores, ulcers that do not heal, unexplained bleeding, difficulty swallowing or chewing, and persistent sore throat or hoarseness. “Perform a monthly visual inspection of your mouth to check for any persistent ulcers, bleeding areas, unusual patches, or swelling,” he advised, noting that early detection through regular self-examination and dental check-ups can drastically improve outcomes.

He also shared his experience with patients, revealing that in the last five years alone, he has treated around 500 cases of oral cancer, with the youngest patient being between 20 and 25 years old. This underscores the growing incidence of oral cancer among younger populations, making awareness and prevention all the more critical.

Surgical Treatment and Reconstruction

Addressing the surgical aspects of oral cancer treatment, Prof. Islam discussed the importance of securing clear, tumor-free margins during surgery. “A clear margin can be defined as a distance of 5mm or more from the resection margin to the tumor, and is essential to diminish the risk of locoregional recurrence,” he explained. He emphasized that understanding the anatomy of the oral cavity and opting for less invasive surgical approaches can lead to more successful outcomes.

Dr. Shahab Ghani, a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon and assistant professor at Liaquat National Hospital, also spoke about the role of facial plastic surgery in oral cancer treatment. “You may have reconstructive or plastic surgery to rebuild bones or tissues. In most cases, you won’t see big scars, and they usually fade over time,” Dr. Ghani stated, highlighting the possibilities for patients to regain normal appearance and function after cancer surgery.

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The Rising Incidence of Oral Cancer in Pakistan

Jawwad Ahmed Khan, a digital marketing expert, provided alarming statistics on the prevalence of oral cancer in Pakistan. “Every year, around 200,000 new cases of cancer are registered in Pakistan, and 35% are head & neck cancer, notably squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity,” Khan noted. He pointed out that the incidence of oral cancer has increased multifold in southern Sindh, particularly in and around Karachi, over the last three decades.

Khan called for more public awareness programs, emphasizing that the treatment of oral cancer is prohibitively expensive and that prevention through education is essential. He also urged television channels to play a more active role in raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and the importance of early detection of oral cancer.

The Urgent Need for Public Awareness

The seminar at Liaquat National Hospital highlighted the urgent need for increased public awareness and early detection efforts to combat the rising tide of oral cancer in Pakistan. With experts like Prof. Tauqir Ul Islam and Dr. Shahab Ghani leading the charge, the message was clear: proactive measures, regular self-examinations, and public education are key to reducing the burden of this deadly disease. As the experts stressed, the younger generation must be particularly vigilant, and societal efforts must be intensified to address this growing health crisis.