Dental & Community News

Increased Focus on Oral Cancer Expected
2007-09-12

Dental and medical organizations have begun a campaign to raise awareness of the American public to the dangers of oral cancer.

Oral cancer will be diagnosed at various stages in nearly 80,000 patients in U.S. dental and medical offices this year. It is expected that 8,000 deaths will occur. This equates to one person per hour, 24 hours per day for an entire year.

As with any cancer early detection and treatment is the key to increased survival rates.

Dr. Gall weighs in on oral cancer. \"During exams in our office we conduct a visual and digital exam of the lymph nodes, glands and tissues,\" Gall said. \"We can also enhance the exam for high risk patients using Vizalite fluorescent dye. This dye is in the form of a mouthwash that is swished in the mouth and the tissues are then examined under a special wavelength of light. If the cells within the tissue have unusual activity the area will glow under the special light.\"

If a lesion is observed it can be tested using a brush biopsy, laser excision or a scalpel. The specimen is then sent to a pathologist to be read.
\"We usually get the results within a few days,\" Gall stated. \"Most times it is good news, but we have diagnosed three cases of carcinoma in our practice over the years.\"

To find out more about oral cancer, please consult the following resources or contact Dr. Gall\'s office for a screening appointment.

www.oralcancerfoundation.org
www.oralcancer.com
www.cancer.org
www.yulbrynnerfoundation.org
www.nci.hih.gov