By: Lee Ann Brady DMD
This topic originally appeared on Pankey.org. Dr. Brady granted permission for igniteDDS to share with our readers.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that can cause cancer later in life. Infection with this virus is very common, and almost everyone with get this virus at some point in life.
Most of these infections will go away by themselves in 2 years but recurrent infections can cause problems and lead to cancers. It is also one of the etiological causes of many types of cancers in the oral cavity.
The most common type that we see in our practices is squamous cell carcinoma. Many researchers link the infection of HPV with squamous cell carcinoma, which can occur from minor white or red lesions to big ones that can destroy tissue, compromising the function and esthetics of the patients.
As dentists, we tend to see our regular patients far more often than other doctors. This means we have the opportunity to be the first point of detection for diseases like oral cancer.
It is important that during regular dental check-ups, whenever we see a suspicious lesion on the soft tissues of the patient, we examine and follow up if that goes away in 2 weeks.
When you notice that the lesion is not going away, or even worse it is only progressing further, biopsy immediately or refer to a specialist if you are not trained to do it by yourself.
Increasing Number of Patients with HPV & Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is on the rise. What does this mean for dentists?
First and foremost, it means understanding how the demographic of oral cancer has changed. At one point, it was associated with lower socioeconomic groups, smokers, and poor nutrition/oral hygiene.
These associations with oral cancer have changed dramatically. One of today’s largest at-risk groups is young, educated non-smokers.
New research has led to the discovery of many different types of oral cancer. The majority of oral cancer cases are associated with HPV. Thankfully, HPV-related oral cancers are highly treatable with chemotherapy and radiation.
Nowadays, oral cancer is more survivable and treatment is less detrimental to quality of life.
Why Early Detection and Prevention Matters
Early detection and prevention are the areas where dentists can have the most significant impact.
Early detection is crucial to improving the chance of survival and how treatment proceeds. One way to facilitate early detection is to offer oral cancer screenings at the beginning of every hygiene visit and exam. The best exam combines visual and technological assessment.
If you detect or are suspicious of oral cancer, you must actively refer your patients. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so there’s no reason to be concerned if you refer them to an oral surgeon and they aren’t diagnosed with oral cancer. Simply be upfront with patients about the likelihood that everything will be fine.
Prevention is the most powerful tool in our arsenal. It is our responsibility, along with the pediatric medical community, to promote and discuss the HPV vaccine with the parents of our younger patients. Encourage them to vaccinate both sons and daughters for the prevention of oral cancer.
Keep Reading: Interdental Papilla: Esthetic Considerations
