Cancer awareness and dentistry

Dentists have the prime responsibility to screen for cancer of the oral cavity. A history, head and neck examination, and intraoral examination including the pharynx should be performed on all new dental patients and at all recall appointments. Patients with lesions that appear clinically to be cancer are best managed by immediate referral to a head and neck surgeon or cancer treatment center for biopsy and treatment. Lesions that may be cancerous can be biopsied by the general dentist or oral surgeon. Dentists also should be prepared to talk with patients at risk for cancer of the breast, colon, cervix, prostate, and skin about the advantages and disadvantages of being screened. These patients should be encouraged to talk with their primary care physicians about being screened for cancer.