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Jaw metastases and the general dental practitioner
Sarah Jadun1, Lara Zebic2, Vinod Patel3
1Specialist Registrar, Floor 23, Tower Wing, Oral Surgery Department, Guy´s Hospital, Guy´s and St Thomas´ NHS Foundation Trust, Great Maze Pond, London Bridge, SE1 9RT, UK.
British Dental Journal
|November 26, 2021
Summary
Oral metastases are rare but can be the first sign of significant underlying disease. Dental practitioners play a key role in identifying these oral cancers and referring patients for prompt diagnosis and care.
Area of Science:
- Oral pathology
- Oncology
- Dental medicine
Background:
- Oral cavity metastases represent 1% of oral malignancies.
- 25% of oral metastases are the initial sign of widespread cancer.
- Early detection is critical for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To educate dental practitioners on recognizing oral metastatic disease.
- To highlight the importance of prompt referral for suspected oral metastases.
- To improve early diagnosis of systemic cancers presenting in the oral cavity.
Main Methods:
- This is a clinical review article.
- It synthesizes current knowledge on oral metastases.
- Focuses on recognition and referral pathways.
Main Results:
- Common primary sites include prostate, lung, kidney, liver (men) and breast, kidney, colon, genital organs (women).
- Dental practitioners are gatekeepers for primary oral care.
- Recognition of oral metastatic lesions is crucial.
Conclusions:
- Oral metastases, though rare, signify potential advanced malignancy.
- Dental professionals are vital in the early detection and referral process.
- Timely referral to secondary care improves prognosis for patients with oral cancer metastasis.
