Oral Cancer Screening Practices in General Medicine

Rosette J1*, Drouet J2, Lasne A3, Babin E4,5,6, Benateau H1,5,6 and Veyssiere A1,5,6

1Department of Maxillofacial and Plastic Surgery, Caen University Hospital, France
2Department of Maxillofacial and Plastic Surgery, Francois Baclesse Cancer Centre, France
3Department of ENT, Francois Baclesse Cancer Centre, France
4Department of ENT, Caen University Hospital, France
5Normandie Univ, Unicaen, Bioconnect, France
6Department of Medecine, University of Caen Basse Normandie, France

^*Correspondance to: Jeanne Rosette 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.3592

Abstract

Introduction: Oral cavity cancers are common. Squamous cell carcinoma is the main histology and cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking are the two established risk factors. The diagnosis is late even if a visible precancerous lesion often precedes oral cavity cancers. General Practitioners (GPs) often overlook this pathology and screening is rarely carried out. Material and Method: The Maxillofacial Surgery and the ENT Departments of both University Hospital and Francois Baclesse Cancer Centre in Caen (France) conducted a survey on the screening of oral cavity cancers by intraoral examination practices among GPs. A medical sheet was also developed for consultation assistance when the GP finds out an intraoral lesion during screening. Results: 332 GPs answered the survey. 217 (65.4%) GPs have already discovered an oral cavity suspicious lesion incidentally or during a screening. In most cases, GPs search for an oral lesion only if the patient complains of an oral symptom. 139 (64%) of GPs who already discovered oral lesions report difficulties in dealing with this kind of lesions. Discussion: Only a few GPs perform endo-oral screening whereas early diagnosis and treatment remain the key to improve survival of patients. Face to the difficulties described by GPs, it is important to find effective support to help GPs and to train them to perform high-quality endo-oral examination. Mouth self-examination is easy to perform, non-invasive and a low-cost method for early detection which should be learned to patients with risk factors.

Keywords

Cite the article

Rosette J, Drouet J, Lasne A, Babin E, Benateau H, Veyssiere A. Oral Cancer Screening Practices in General Medicine. Clin Surg. 2022; 7: 3592..