Dr Ronald Chin’s Understanding on Malignant Tumors of the Oral Cavity
Understanding Malignant Tumors of the Oral Cavity
Oral cancer is a serious yet often preventable condition that affects the tongue, gums, inner cheeks, and other parts of the mouth. Among these, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common type, often developing due to long-term exposure to risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol, and poor oral hygiene.
Who Is at Risk?
Oral cancer is more prevalent in men and typically develops in the fifth decade of life. However, younger individuals can also be affected, especially with the rise of HPV-related cases. The primary risk factors include:
✅ Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
✅ Excessive alcohol consumption
✅ HPV infection
✅ Poor dental hygiene and chronic irritation
Warning Signs to Watch For
Oral cancer symptoms can be subtle in the early stages. Seek medical attention if you notice:
🔴 Non-healing sores or ulcers in the mouth
🔴 Pain or difficulty swallowing (odynophagia)
🔴 Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
🔴 Unexplained bleeding or blood-tinged saliva
How Is It Diagnosed?
Early detection is critical for successful treatment. If you experience persistent symptoms, an ENT specialist may recommend:
📌 A biopsy to confirm malignancy
📌 Imaging tests (CT, MRI, PET scans) to assess tumor spread
Treatment Options
The primary approach for treating oral cancer is surgical removal, often followed by radiation therapy. In cases where cancer has spread, neck dissection may be necessary to remove affected lymph nodes.
Bottom Line: If you notice persistent oral symptoms, don’t wait—early diagnosis can be lifesaving. Regular dental checkups and avoiding tobacco/alcohol can significantly reduce your risk. 🦷👨⚕️
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Dr Ronald Chin is an Australian trained Otolaryngologist Head and Neck Surgeon.
After graduating as a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Dr Chin undertook further specialised training in Head and Neck Cancer at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
He has published many research papers and is an active teacher and scholar.
As part of his subspecialty training, Dr Chin has training in Laser, Da Vinci Robotic, Flex Robotic and complex surgical techniques.
In addition to specialised Head and Neck Cancer, Dr Chin also enjoys general adult and paediatric ENT Surgery and practices sinus, snoring/sleep and general paediatric ENT Surgical procedures.
Dr Ronald Chin works as a general Otolaryngologist, offering a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments including ear surgery, nose surgery and throat surgery. He provides treatment for chronic conditions such as tonsillitis, sinus problems and problems with hearing.
He is also involved in the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions such as facial paralysis, head and neck cancer and sleep apnea. As well as performing surgery on children, he also provides specialist care for adults, including the treatment of throat disorders, voice loss and ear problems.
Dr Chin has also served as a Conjoint Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, a Conjoint Associate Professor at Western Sydney University and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney.
