Oral Cancer Diagnosis

Oral cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of methods. It involves a visual examination of the oral cavity, followed by additional tests such as biopsies, imaging scans (X-rays, CT scan, MRI), and sometimes a PET scan. These diagnostic approaches help identify and confirm the presence of oral cancer and determine its stage and extent.

The different tests used for oral cancer diagnosis include visual examination, biopsy (including incisional biopsy and brush biopsy), imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scan, and MRI, as well as advanced techniques like PET scans. These tests help in detecting and confirming the presence of oral cancer, assessing its stage, and determining the best course of treatment.

While visual examination is an important initial step in oral cancer detection, it may not be sufficient to definitively diagnose oral cancer. Visual examination can help identify suspicious lesions or abnormalities in the oral cavity, but further diagnostic tests such as biopsies are usually needed to confirm the presence of oral cancer and determine its stage. Therefore, while visual examination is valuable, additional tests are necessary for a comprehensive oral cancer diagnosis.