#thread #oralcancer #dentist
I read this tweet by @mercurial477 and the first question that came to my mind is who and how the diagnosis was made. Also was the patient seen by a dentist? In most cases the answer is NO!
And that breaks my heart!
I read this tweet by @mercurial477 and the first question that came to my mind is who and how the diagnosis was made. Also was the patient seen by a dentist? In most cases the answer is NO!
And that breaks my heart!
I was fortunate to train at Nair in Mumbai and University of Pennsylvania in the US. I did a one year residency at a major hospital and then practiced for 10 years. I also taught at UPenn.
One of the major differences I saw was the role played in 2 key areas:
Cancer screening
One of the major differences I saw was the role played in 2 key areas:
Cancer screening
And pre surgical dental clearance.
Cancer screening:
Every patient gets a thorough Oral Cancer screening every time! We check for soft tissue inside the mouth, palate, cheeks, tongue, soft palate, oropharynx, all the HNF lymph nodes and the face.
Any minor changes are
Cancer screening:
Every patient gets a thorough Oral Cancer screening every time! We check for soft tissue inside the mouth, palate, cheeks, tongue, soft palate, oropharynx, all the HNF lymph nodes and the face.
Any minor changes are
Immediately referred to the appropriate specialist for definitive diagnostic measures. In most cases a biopsy. The lateral border of the tongue is the most common site for SCC intra orally. The face is a common site for BCC. There are multiple cases of early detection done
By the dentist that has helped minimize spread and hence treatment.
We also play a big role in checking for recurrence. Eg. The mandible is the most common site for secondary spread of breast cancer. A simple yearly panoramic xray helps pick up possible metastasis.
We also play a big role in checking for recurrence. Eg. The mandible is the most common site for secondary spread of breast cancer. A simple yearly panoramic xray helps pick up possible metastasis.
Once diagnosis is established and treatment is recommended we again have a major role to play. This is true for all surgeries.
A complete checkup is warranted to eliminate any potential source of infection. Generally this involves a proper cleaning to get the gingiva (gums)
A complete checkup is warranted to eliminate any potential source of infection. Generally this involves a proper cleaning to get the gingiva (gums)
In good health and extractions to eliminate various teeth. Occasionally root canals are an option but typically the odds are not in favor of rhat.
From an anesthesiologist perspective the chances of knocking out terth during laryngoscopy are very high. As such removal of loose
From an anesthesiologist perspective the chances of knocking out terth during laryngoscopy are very high. As such removal of loose
Teeth prevents an embarrassment.
In cases of cancer it is even more important to donso be sure the chemo virtually prevents any chance of dental treatment due to low immunity while radiation causes sudden onset of Caries due to reduced blood supply.
I am on a mission to
In cases of cancer it is even more important to donso be sure the chemo virtually prevents any chance of dental treatment due to low immunity while radiation causes sudden onset of Caries due to reduced blood supply.
I am on a mission to
Educate doctors and patients alike about this issue and hence this thread. I hope the point is well taken and made part of every regimen.
Encourage every patient seen by a medical doctor to see a dentist! We will take care of the rest!
#oralcancer #dentist #prevention
Encourage every patient seen by a medical doctor to see a dentist! We will take care of the rest!
#oralcancer #dentist #prevention
