Oral Cancer Diagnosis

Oral cancer is a malignant tumor occurring in the oral mucosa. Early symptoms are often inconspicuous, and without timely diagnosis and treatment, the tumor may spread, increasing treatment difficulty and patient suffering. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for developing an appropriate treatment plan. Common diagnostic methods include clinical examination, histopathological biopsy, and imaging studies.

Diagnostic Basis

1. Clinical Examination
The physician begins with oral inspection and palpation to observe abnormalities such as ulcers, masses, and leukoplakia/erythroplakia, and checks for cervical lymph node enlargement. Clinical presentation provides preliminary evidence for diagnosis and indicates the need for further tests.

2. Tissue Biopsy
Biopsy is the gold standard for confirming oral cancer. Pathological examination of lesion tissue clarifies the cancer cell type and grade. Biopsy results directly affect treatment planning, making it a critical diagnostic step.

3. Imaging Studies
Imaging methods include CT, MRI, and ultrasound to assess tumor size, extent of invasion, and lymph node metastasis. CT scans clearly reveal bone involvement, MRI provides superior soft tissue imaging, and ultrasound is useful for evaluating cervical lymph nodes.

4. Endoscopy
In some cases, oral endoscopy is required to obtain more accurate information about lesion sites and to assist in biopsy localization.

5. Molecular Marker Testing
In recent years, molecular biology techniques have been applied to assist in the diagnosis and prognosis of oral cancer. By detecting specific gene or protein expressions, these tests help determine tumor characteristics and treatment responses.

Conclusion

Experts at United Life International Medical Center point out that the diagnosis of oral cancer requires a combination of methods. Early and accurate diagnosis can effectively guide treatment planning, improve survival rates, and enhance quality of life. High-risk individuals are advised to actively undergo examinations to detect lesions at the earliest stage possible.