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Early detection and prevention of head and neck cancers

British Dental Journal volume 233, pages 726–730 (2022)Cite this article

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma forms the vast majority of head and neck malignancies, with advanced disease incurring poor long-term survival. Early detection and prompt specialist referral allows the patient a greater chance of cure. Furthermore, basal cell carcinoma is the most common malignancy in humans, with the vast majority presenting in the head and neck region. Dentists have a unique opportunity to assess for cutaneous malignancies during routine visits.

Cancer screening should be common practice within dental professionals. In addition to enquiring about common red flag symptoms, a comprehensive and systematic extra- and intra-oral examination should be undertaken at each new and check-up appointment. Urgent referral to an appropriate secondary care provider should be made at the earliest opportunity where concern for cancer exists.

Key points

  • Squamous cell carcinoma predominates the majority of head and neck cancers, with advanced disease associated with 50% survival at three years.

  • Dentists have a unique opportunity to screen for other head and neck cancers and cutaneous malignancies in addition to standard oral cavity screening

  • Primary care physicians should be aware of referral criteria for suspected head and neck cancers and, where there is concern, should refer to secondary care units without delay.

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Cancer Research UK and Doctors.net UK for their kind permission in reproducing their oral cancer toolkit online resource and strongly encourage readers to visit the resource for further information, as well as watching the video 'Head, neck and oral examination' by Professor Richard Shaw, available from .

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Senior Specialty Registrar in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucestershire, UK

    Peter Glen

  2. Senior Specialty Registrar in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Royal United Hospital Foundation Trust, Bath, UK

    Etienne Botha

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  1. Peter Glen
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  2. Etienne Botha
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Contributions

Peter Glen and Etienne Botha solely led the design and conceptualisation of this article. All analysis and drafting was undertaken by both authors. Critical review was performed by the authors, Ms Lorna McCaul, Mr Abhi Pal and Professor Philip Preshaw.

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Correspondence to Peter Glen.

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The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Written consent to publish was obtained for Figures 1, 2 and 3.

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Cite this article

Glen, P., Botha, E. Early detection and prevention of head and neck cancers. Br Dent J 233, 726–730 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-5198-2

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