Oral cancer is a significant public health concern affecting millions of people worldwide. As dentists play a crucial role in the early detection and diagnosis of oral cancer, it is essential to understand the step-by-step approach to oral cancer detection. This article aims to provide an overview of the systematic process involved in oral cancer screening, emphasizing the importance of early detection and highlighting the tools and techniques utilized by dentists.
Patient History and Risk Assessment: The first step in oral cancer detection is gathering a comprehensive patient history. Dentists should inquire about the patient’s medical history, including previous cancer diagnoses, tobacco and alcohol consumption, family history of cancer, and exposure to environmental carcinogens. A thorough risk assessment helps identify individuals with a higher likelihood of developing oral cancer.
Visual Examination: A visual examination of the oral cavity is an integral part of oral cancer screening. Dentists carefully inspect the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, and other intraoral structures for any abnormal changes. They look for red or white patches, ulcers, lumps, swellings, or other suspicious lesions. Special attention is given to areas prone to oral cancer development, such as the lateral border of the tongue and the floor of the mouth.
Palpation and Extraoral Examination: During palpation, dentists use their gloved fingers to feel for any lumps, nodules, or abnormal masses in the head and neck region. The lymph nodes, salivary glands, and other soft tissues are carefully evaluated. Dentists pay attention to any pain, tenderness, asymmetry, or restricted mobility in these areas, as these can be potential signs of oral cancer metastasis.
Adjunctive Screening Techniques: To enhance oral cancer detection, dentists often employ adjunctive screening techniques. These techniques assist in identifying potentially malignant or malignant lesions that may not be visible to the naked eye. Some common adjunctive tools include:
a. VELscope: This device uses blue light to detect fluorescence changes in oral tissues, aiding in the identification of suspicious lesions.
b. Tissue Fluorescence Visualization (TFV): Similar to VELscope, TFV utilizes fluorescence technology to differentiate between normal and abnormal tissues.
c. Brush Biopsy: Dentists collect cells from suspicious areas using a brush and send them to a laboratory for analysis. This non-invasive technique helps in the early diagnosis of oral cancer.
d. Toluidine Blue Staining: A dye called toluidine blue is applied to the oral mucosa, and areas that retain the dye for a prolonged period are considered potentially malignant.
Referral and Biopsy: If any suspicious lesions or abnormal findings are identified during the screening process, the patient is referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or an oral pathologist for further evaluation. A biopsy is performed to obtain a definitive diagnosis. During a biopsy, a small sample of the suspicious tissue is surgically removed and sent for histopathological examination. This examination determines whether the tissue is benign or malignant, aiding in appropriate treatment planning.
Conclusion
Oral cancer detection is a crucial aspect of comprehensive dental care. Dentists play a pivotal role in identifying and diagnosing oral cancer at an early stage, which significantly improves patient outcomes. By following a step-by-step approach that involves thorough patient history, visual examination, palpation, adjunctive screening techniques, and referral for biopsy when necessary, dentists can contribute to the early detection of oral cancer. Timely identification of oral cancer enables prompt intervention and enhances the chances of successful treatment and improved prognosis for patients.
Results
If we discovers any signs of mouth cancer or precancerous lesions, he or she may recommend:
- A follow-up visit in a few weeks to see if the abnormal area is still present and note whether it has grown or changed over time.
- A biopsy procedure to remove a sample of cells for laboratory testing to determine whether cancer cells are present. Your dentist may perform the biopsy, or you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in oral cancer diagnosis and treatment.