Mouth And Orofacial Cancer: Where Are We In 2023?

It has been generally accepted that the incidence of mouth cancer within the UK population has consistently been increasing each year over the past three decades.   However, in 2022 it became apparent, as predicted by the dental profession, that the reduced access to clinical services during Covid-19 pandemic would result in a greater number of patients subsequently presenting with relatively large tumours and increased metastatic spread to the lymph nodes in the neck.   Both these features of mouth cancer are associated with a poor outcome.  In 2023, never has an effective dental examination, in particular a head and neck soft tissue examination, been so important for the public.  The updated Delivering Better Oral Health guidance for the UK contains sections related to mouth cancer to hopefully address these problems, in addition to presenting clinical actions required for cancer prevention going forward into 2023.  All dental professionals should also be able to recognise the different forms of skin cancer that may develop in the facial tissues or within the neck and be able to refer suspected malignancies to secondary healthcare services.

Learning objectives:

Following the presentation delegates will:

• Have an indication of their ability to recognise orofacial cancer (via an inter-active quiz)
• Be able to accurately record benign and malignant mucosal abnormalities
• Have an understanding of the prevention and management of mucosal epithelial dysplasia
• Have increased awareness of the importance of potentially malignant disorders
• Know how to optimally refer patients with suspected cancer to secondary care in 2023

This talk satisfies the GDC’s learning outcome:

C – Maintenance and development of knowledge and skill within your field of practice

Professor Michael A. O. Lewis PhD, FDSRCPS, FDSRCS (Eng), FRCPath, FFGDP(UK), FHEA, Emeritus Professor, Cardiff University

Biography

Mike Lewis is Emeritus Professor at Cardiff University.  He has held a number of senior professional positions including, President of the British Society for Oral Medicine, President of the British Society for Oral & Dental Research, Dean of the Dental Faculty of the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow, Dean of the School Dentistry at Cardiff University and Dental Member of the Department of Health specialist advisory committee on Antimicrobial Resistance and Hospital Acquired Infection. He has lectured extensively worldwide and is the author of textbooks on the subjects of Oral Medicine and Oral Microbiology.  Mike is a Registrant Member of the General Dental Council and was recently awarded the John Tomes Medal by the British Dental Association for outstanding service to the dental profession.