April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, as Oral Cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in Portugal and continues to have a high mortality rate, mainly due to late diagnosis.
In Portugal, it is estimated that there are about 1,600 new cases annually, corresponding to approximately 15 cases per 100,000 habitants, with the condition being more prevalent among men. Our country currently has one of the highest rates in Europe, underscoring the need for greater surveillance and early diagnosis.
Most oral tumors originate in the mucosa and are often associated with risk factors such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, HPV infection, and excessive sun exposure (particularly on the lips), among others.
Some of the warning signs to watch for include sores or ulcers that do not heal within 2-3 weeks, white patches (leukoplakia) or red patches (erythroplakia), persistent pain or a strange sensation in the body, difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking, and lumps or swelling in the mouth or neck.
The diagnosis is based on biopsies and pathological evaluation, which allow for the confirmation of malignancy, histological characterization, and the identification of prognostic factors essential for determining treatment.
Learn more about our Oral Pathology Unit.