Your patients might not realize that the screenings you conduct could save lives. Sadly, most head and neck cancers are diagnosed in advanced stages. One objective for cancer awareness is to catch these diseases early on, hopefully while they are still in Stages I or II.
Oral cancer screenings are especially important because oropharyngeal cancer rates have been on the rise. Other cancers that can be detected by these screenings are lymphoma, leukemia, salivary gland cancer, and thyroid cancer. Risk factors include alcohol and drug abuse, tobacco use, and HPV infection.
During the head, neck, and oral examination, watch for lesions, oral bleeding, mild to moderate pain, and limited movement, among other symptoms. Don’t forget to check the lymph nodes as well.
In addition, cancer survivors are at higher rates for some dental diseases and their care needs to be managed differently. Oral Cancer Awareness Month is a great opportunity to discuss your patients’ health history in detail, and let them know how important it is that you have the most complete medical picture possible. Their lives could depend on it.
For more information, please read the full article.
Note: This content is accurate as of the date published above and is subject to change. Please seek professional advice before acting on any matter contained in this article.
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