Oral Cancer Screening
- Oral cancers are the 9th most common cancer in U.S.
- 90% of oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas.
- 60% of oral cancers are advanced at time of detection.
- Incidence of oral cancer has decreased for Black and Hispanic people more recently; however Black men have higher mortality rates from oral cancer than other racial groups
- Risks for oral cancer include tobacco and alcohol use, human papilloma virus (HPV), age, sun exposure, and betel nut use
- Most common in hidden areas: lateral tongue, mouth floor, soft palate, lower lip vermilion border.
- All unexplained lesions in the mouth lasting greater than 2 weeks should be referred for evaluation and biopsy.
- Oral cancers are life threatening and require immediate biopsy and referral for treatment
Cancers most commonly occur on the tongue, floor of mouth, and lower lip vermilion border. Cancer-prone areas are indicated by yellow dots.
AAFP Home Study Program—with permission
Oral Cancer
Oral Cancer
Dysplasia from Chewing and "Parking" Tobacco
John McDowell, DDS
John McDowell, DDS
John McDowell, DDS
References
Smith RA, Cokkinides V, von Eschenbach AC, Levin B, Cohen C, Runowicz CD, et al. American Cancer Society guidelines for the early detection of cancer. Ca: a Cancer Journal for Clinicians. 2002;52(1):8-22.