Oral Cancer
I have attended many lectures over the years on Oral Cancer, and I have diagnosed at least three in my lifetime as predicted back in '82. It is higher now.
I remember the first one about 18 months post-qualifying. It was classic, as he was an alcoholic and a heavy smoker, and it was from a simple routine PA radiograph because of a loose tooth. He was really upset that I'd referred him to the Dental Hospital and what treatment they proposed. I don't think he came back to either of us.
I remember the first one about 18 months post-qualifying. It was classic, as he was an alcoholic and a heavy smoker, and it was from a simple routine PA radiograph because of a loose tooth. He was really upset that I'd referred him to the Dental Hospital and what treatment they proposed. I don't think he came back to either of us.
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More recently, a friend was treated for mouth cancer. He is a fit and healthy non-smoker. Not an alcoholic, but like many of us above 14 units a week, but way below 50. One of our peer review group knew the Oral surgeon, and he came and led a discussion. I remember clearly how quickly squamous cell carcinomas can occur and develop.
Six monthly checkups aren't enough. The responsibility, therefore, lies with the public. We have to tell them. It's one of the reasons I made the App |
I have permission to use the video in my App from the
Head and Neck Cancer foundation.
It's an excellent resource with valuable videos for all the profession.
Head and Neck Cancer foundation.
It's an excellent resource with valuable videos for all the profession.
The Mouth Cancer Foundation is another excellent resource for the profession as well as the public.
The hope was that as the public enter their risk factors in the App they may modify their habits to improve their scores. By setting timely reminders on their phone following a discussion with the dentist or hygienist and using the email template.
Alternatively, set their own if they haven't seen anyone but have downloaded the teeth4life App. The idea is gamification, and as the animation shows to look for other visible or palpable signs of disease.
Alternatively, set their own if they haven't seen anyone but have downloaded the teeth4life App. The idea is gamification, and as the animation shows to look for other visible or palpable signs of disease.
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