A LITERATURE REVIEW OF ORAL CANCER ON DENTAL PATIENT

Here is a well-structured and academically sound **abstract** for your literature review: --- **Abstract** Oral cancer remains a major global health concern, with a significant proportion of cases first detected during routine dental examinations. This literature review examines current research on oral cancer among dental patients, focusing on epidemiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, treatment options, and preventive strategies. The review highlights tobacco use, alcohol consumption, human papillomavirus (HPV), poor oral hygiene, and genetic predisposition as leading etiological factors. Early-stage diagnosis is strongly linked to improved prognosis; however, late presentation persists due to low awareness and limited access to screening. Dental professionals play a critical role in early identification by recognizing premalignant lesions, conducting thorough oral examinations, and providing patient education. Emerging diagnostic tools—including adjunctive imaging and molecular biomarkers—are improving screening accuracy but remain underutilized in many clinical settings. This review emphasizes the need for strengthened professional training, public health interventions, and routine screening protocols in dental practice to reduce oral cancer morbidity and mortality. Continued research and improved clinical awareness are essential for enhancing early detection and patient outcomes.