[Dental examination integral part of preventive testing head and neck cancers]

In recent years, in Poland and in Europe, we have seen a steady increase in the incidence of malignant tumors of the head and neck. On the basis of national cancer registries, the increase in new cases in the last ten years is over 15% and that worries epidemiologists and the medical community. Taken in Europe prevention programs aimed at reducing new cases. In Grater Poland from 2012 has initiated an innovative program for Early Detection of Cancer, Department of Head and Neck Surgery Medical University in Poznan and the Department of Health Marshal’s Office in Poznan. The aim of the study was to evaluate dental and oral hygiene habits analysis of patients reporting to the Programme for Early Detection of Head and Neck Cancer. The study conducted involved 678 patients reporting to the Department of Head and Neck Surgery in Grater Poland Cancer Center under the prevention of cancers of the head and neck. All patients underwent ENT assessment and standard dental examination assessing condition of teeth and oral mucosa. All patients were asked to fill out prepared questionnaire, which included questions concerning socio-economic conditions of the patient, hygiene habits and risk factors for oral cancer. Most of the patients participating in the study, 441 people (65.9%) smoke or smoked cigarettes. Smoking habit among female dominated. Within smokers responders declared, at the same time,consumption of alcohol at least three times a week; 192 people (81.1%). Almost half (49.8%) of all respondents reported consuming alcohol occasionally. Regular practice of oral sex with frequent change of partner, belonging to the high risk of head and neck cancer, were found in 21.9% of patients. During the assessment of oral hygiene was observed 155 patients (23.4%) correctly cleansing the teeth and oral cavity, while more than half (62.4%) did not abide rules of daily oral hygiene. The use of additional tools to correct hygienization (dental floss, interdental brushes, rinses the mouth) was recorded in 51.7% of patients. As a result, 85% of the patients of the head and neck cancer prevention program was found bad condition of the oral cavity, and dental procedures in 30% of patients were applied. Patients diagnosed with invasive cancer was in 19 cases. Results of this study indicate that, the dentist should be an integral part of interdisciplinary team treating patients with head and neck cancer, and regular dental care plays a key role in the early diagnosis of patients with head and neck cancer.