Early Detection, Causes and Screening of Oral Cancer
- 1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, New Zealand
Abstract
Oral cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is common, and despite its relative ease of detection, patients continue to present with late stage disease. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged member states to involve primary care givers (dentists and general practitioners) in increasing early referral for suspicious oral lesions.
Tobacco and alcohol consumption remain the two major risk factors for oral SCC. A brief screening history to identify high-risk individuals, followed bya simplebut thorough oral examination is the best tool available for screening for oral SCC. This is both cost effective and reduces mortality when applied to patients in high-risk groups.