Oral Malignancy Flashcards
What are the causes for oral malignancy?
Smoking (including eCig) Alcohol Diet Dental Factors UV Light HPV Candida Immunosuppression Chronic Infection
Why does alcohol lead to oral malignancy?
Ethanol is broken down to acetaldehyde that is a known carcinogen.
What dietary deficiencies can predispose to oral cancer?
Vitamin A, C and Iron
What do we look out for for early oral cancer?
Ulceration Red Patch White Patch Erythroleukoplakia Induration Exophytosis Fixation Bleeding Necrosis Lymphadenopathy
What is induration?
An increase in fibrous tissue that causes inflammation
What are high risk sites for oral cancer?
Soft Non Keratinising sites -
Ventral tongue
Floor of mouth
Lateral tongue
What are rare sites of oral cancer in the UK?
Dorsal tongue
Hard palate
What in the mouth is oral cancer common in Asia?
Buccal Mucosa
What is the Buccal Mucosa?
The inside lining of the cheeks
How can we successfully screen for oral cancer?
Proactive screening
Record history of lesion
Screen soft tissues and record lesions
Ask about risk factors
What are warning signs for oral cancer?
Red?White Lesions Ulcer Numb feeling Unexplained pain in mouth or neck Change in voice Dysphagia
What are other orofacial manifestations of oral malignancy?
Drooping of eyelid Facial palsy Pathological fracture of mandible Double vision Blocked or bleeding from the nose Facial swelling
What are the key questions we should ask the patient we suspect to have oral cancer?
How long has it been present?
Is it painful?
Does the patient smoke or drink?
What colour is the lesion?
What are the treatment options for oral malignancy?
Surgery +/- adjuvant therapy
