Oral Cancer Screening: A Necessary Part of Any Exam

Great strides are needed in order for screening for oral cancer to be successful in the United States. On a practitioner level, we need to improve the knowledge and techniques of oral cancer screening, as well as make practitioners recognize the importance and ease of screening. In particular, we need primary care providers to participate in oral screening, and we must continue to encourage dentists to do the same. The increase in HPV-associated oropharyngeal disease should be a call to action for providers to examine the tonsils and base of tongue. Patients also need to recognize the importance of oral screening, present themselves for screening, and learn to perform a self-exam. With concerted efforts, I believe that oral screening can be a successful part of early detection, and can significantly decrease the morbidity associated with oral and oropharyngeal cancers.

©2008 The Triological Society