Oral Cancer Screening
Early Detection of Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancers
Early identification of pre-cancers and cancers in the oral cavity and oropharynx is achievable through routine screening examinations conducted by healthcare professionals, including dentists, physicians, and dental hygienists, or via self-examinations
Importance of Routine Oral Cancer Screening by Dentists
Advancements in medical and computational technologies have equipped dentists with non-invasive screening tools, such as the BrushTest, to detect early oral abnormalities. These methods facilitate the identification of small oral lesions, helping to prevent a disease with a mortality rate comparable to melanoma and twice that of cervical cancer. Notably, oral cancer incidence is rising among women, younger individuals, and non-smokers, with over 25% of cases occurring in individuals without a history of tobacco use or excessive alcohol consumption. Emerging research also indicates a link between human papillomavirus (HPV) and the increasing prevalence of oral cancer.
Cancer Development Process
Cancer arises when abnormal cells proliferate uncontrollably, forming a tissue mass known as a tumor. Tumors may be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumors can invade adjacent tissues and metastasize to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
Types of Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancers
The most prevalent cancers in the head and neck region are those of the oral cavity, encompassing the mouth and tongue, and the oropharynx, which includes the middle throat from the tonsils to the larynx. These structures are essential for functions such as chewing, swallowing, breathing, and speaking. The oral cavity comprises the lips, buccal mucosa (inner lining of the lips and cheeks), gingiva (gums), anterior two-thirds of the tongue, floor of the mouth, hard palate, and retromolar trigone (area behind the wisdom teeth). The oropharynx, extending from the oral cavity, includes the soft palate, pharyngeal walls, tonsils, and base of the tongue.
Prevalence of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
More than 90% of oral and oropharyngeal cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, originating in the flat squamous cells lining the oral cavity and throat.
Differentiation of Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancers
Although oral and oropharyngeal cancers are often categorized under head and neck cancers, precise identification of the cancer’s location is critical, as treatment protocols vary depending on the specific site.
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