Oral cancer - Dysplasia Flashcards
What are the two classifications of head and neck cancers?
oral cavity cancer
oropharyngeal cancer
List high risk areas for oral cancer. (7)
● Floor of the mouth – increased risk to this site in drinkers and smokers
● Lateral border of the tongue - increased risk to this site in drinkers and smokers
● Retromolar regions
● Soft palate - increased risk to this site in drinkers and smokers
● hard palate
● Gingivae
● Buccal mucosa
What are the risk factors for oral cancer? (9)
Smoking
Drinking
smoking and drinking
Socioeconomic status
Diet
Betel quid (paan)
oral health
family history
sexual activity
How much does smoking increase your risk of OCC?
X2
How much does drinking (3-4 drinks/day) increase your risk of OCC?
x2
How much does smoking and drinking increase your risk of OCC?
x5
How much does Betel paan increase your risk of OCC?
x3
How much does SE status increase your risk of OCC?
x2
(even without other risk factors you have the sane risk as those who smoke or drink)
What specific type of cancer has the greatest risk of developing if a px smokes?
larynx cancer
What specific type of cancer has the greatest risk of developing if a px drinks? (2)
oral cavity
oropharyngeal
What factors contribute to the OCC risk from smoking? (3)
what patter of use increases the risk?
Quantity
duration
frequency
fewer cigarettes for longer duration
What factors contribute to the OCC risk from drinking? (1)
what patter of use increases the risk?
Frequency
(more important than duration) – more drinks each day key
How do we reduce the risks of OCC? (3)
Stop smoking
stop drinking
Healthy diet
when are the benefits of stopping smoking seen?
benefits of quitting smoking are seen one to four years after stopping
- After quitting for 20 years: you’re at the same risk as someone who has never smoked
when are the benefits of stopping drinking alcohol seen?
Benefits of quitting heavy alcohol consumption emerge 20 years after quit
what advice would you give px’s regarding reducing the risk of OCC if only a limited health education message can be conveyed?
In the short term, if a px is going to change either their smoking or drinking habits, they are going to get an improvement in oral cancer risk quickest by reducing their smoking (rather than drinking) however should be encouraged to reduce/stop both
In terms of diet how can we reduce our OCC risk (by 1/2) ?
high intake of fresh fruits and vegetables
Why is the incidence of oropharyngeal cancer increasing?
Due to the HPV epidemic