Oral health is often thought of as simply a matter of teeth and gums. However, the oral cavity can also be the initial site of various serious diseases, including oral cancer. Many cases of oral cancer are not detected until they have reached an advanced stage, making treatment options more complex and reducing the chances of a cure. This is why regular dental checkups play a crucial role in early detection and prevention of oral cancer.
The Important Role of Dentists in Early Detection of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a type of cancer often diagnosed at an advanced stage. This condition results in a poor prognosis and a relatively low cure rate. However, early detection of oral cancer has been shown to significantly increase the chance of recovery and reduce the risk of serious complications.
In this regard, dentists play a crucial role as the frontline in identifying abnormalities in the oral cavity. Through routine examinations and expertise in oral medicine, dentists can detect early signs of oral cancer before it progresses to more serious conditions.
Early Signs and Lesions of Oral Cancer to Watch Out For
Oral cancer generally starts from pre-cancerous lesions, including:
- Leukoplakia (white patches in the oral cavity)
- Erythroplakia (red patches on the oral tissue)
- Ulcers or canker sores that do not heal for more than two weeks
These lesions are often painless in the early stages, so they are often overlooked by patients. Through a thorough clinical examination, a dentist can identify the abnormality and perform further diagnostic steps, such as a biopsy or referral to a specialist.
The Role of Dentists in Identifying Oral Cancer Risk Factors
In addition to a physical examination, the dentist also plays a crucial role in conducting a thorough history. Some risk factors for oral cancer that need to be identified include:
- Smoking habit or tobacco use
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Excessive sun exposure (especially lip cancer)
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection
Patients with high-risk factors need regular monitoring. Dentists can also provide education and encourage healthy lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of oral cancer.
Patient Education and Public Awareness about Oral Cancer
Low public awareness is one of the reasons for delayed diagnosis of oral cancer. Many patients don't realize that early signs of oral cancer include symptoms such as:
- canker sores that won't heal
- lumps in the oral cavity
- difficulty swallowing or speaking
Dentists have a strategic role in providing education to patients at every visit, while also encouraging the public to have regular dental checkups as an early detection measure.
Oral Medicine and Multidisciplinary Collaboration
In oral medicine practice , dentists examine not only the teeth and gums, but also the soft tissues of the oral cavity, salivary glands, and other supporting structures. The ability to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions is crucial for determining the next steps in treatment.
Dentists also need to know when to refer patients to specialists in oral surgery, oncology, or anatomic pathology . This multidisciplinary collaboration ensures patients receive timely and comprehensive diagnosis and treatment.
Early Detection of Oral Cancer Saves Lives
Early detection of oral cancer not only increases the cure rate, but also:
- reduce medical costs
- minimize invasive medical procedures
- improve the quality of life of patients
With routine access to patients' oral cavities, dentists have a significant opportunity to play a vital role in oral cancer prevention. Improving oral medicine competency and updating knowledge regarding oral cancer diagnosis and management are key.
When to See a Doctor?
The dentist's role in early detection of oral cancer extends far beyond simply examining teeth and gums. Through education, regular checkups, and appropriate interventions, dentists are a vital part of the healthcare system to reduce the incidence of oral cancer.
With better awareness and optimal collaboration, early detection of oral cancer can save more lives and improve the quality of life of patients.
Article written by Drg. Dwi Ariani, Sp.PM (Dentist – Oral Disease Specialist, EMC Pulomas Hospital).