Ten Top Tips For Mouth Cancer

The battle against mouth cancer continues with a background of an ever-increasing number of new cases being diagnosed each year.  All dental healthcare workers need to have a contemporary understanding of the presentation of mouth cancer to be able to apply this knowledge whilst undertaking an appropriate examination of the soft tissues.  The single most important factor related to mouth cancer survival is detection of the tumour whilst small (2cm in diameter) and before it has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. This presentation will include “ten top tips” related to aspects of mouth cancer, including presenting features, evolving risk factors, specialist referral, diagnosis, treatment and prevention in primary care.

Learning objectives

• To have contemporary understanding of the essential aspects of mouth cancer in primary dental care.
• To be able to recognise soft tissue changes suggestive of the presence of squamous cell carcinoma and know how to refer suspected cases to secondary care.
• To be aware of the evolving risk factors for mouth cancer and be able to provide preventative advice to reduce the potential for its development.

This talk satisfies the GDC’s learning outcomes:

• 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

Biography

Mike is Emeritus Professor of Oral Medicine at Cardiff University.  He has held a number of senior professional positions including, Dean of the School of Dentistry at Cardiff University, Dean of the Dental Faculty of the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow, President of the British Society for Oral Medicine and President of the British Society for Oral & Dental Research.  Mike has published over 200 scientific articles, authored six medical textbooks and delivered more than 800 invited presentations worldwide. He has worked in the field of mouth cancer for more than 40 years and regularly lectures on the subject to all members of the dental profession.  He is a Clinical Ambassador for the Mouth Cancer Foundation and Council Member of the GDC.