Abstract

Oral cancer represents a significant public health concern worldwide, with increasing incidence rates and profound impacts on patient morbidity and mortality. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the latest advancements in understanding the etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of oral cancer. It discusses the role of risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and genetic predisposition in oral carcinogenesis. Diagnostic modalities including clinical examination, imaging techniques, and molecular biomarkers are explored, along with emerging technologies like liquid biopsy and artificial intelligence. Additionally, the review highlights current treatment strategies including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, as well as the importance of multidisciplinary care in optimizing patient outcomes. Future directions for research and potential innovations in the field are also discussed, with a focus on personalized medicine approaches and novel therapeutic agents.