Head and neck cancer is the sixth most frequent tumor of all malignant neoplasms in existence today. Within its classification, oral squamous cell carcinoma has a prevalence of 90%.
Who is affected by head and neck cancer?
In Spain, there have been more cases in men over 40 years of age who are smokers, but in recent years the number of cases in young people and women has been increasing due to its relationship with infection with the human papilloma virus.
What are the risk factors?
Smoking (and within this “chewing tobacco” increases it exponentially) is the most influential in the development of this type of cancer, but we also find alcohol consumption and poor oral hygiene.
How is it diagnosed?
Dentists are primarily responsible for the detection of premalignant lesions and oral cancer. If detected in its earliest stages, survival can be as high as 80%. The American Cancer Society and even the American Dental Association recommend screening patients between the ages of 29 and 39 every 3 years to prevent oral cancer; for those over 40, annual screening is suggested.
It is essential to have a good knowledge of the different lesions that predominate in the oral mucosa and to apply early diagnosis and prevention protocols. The initial lesions of common tumors, such as squamous cell tumors, are asymptomatic and are usually detected when their growth is already very evident and advanced.
All of this is a good reason not to neglect oral health screening.