Oral Cancer and You-Oral Cancer and You: The Dental Team’s Role in Oral Cancer Prevention

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar focused on the dental team’s role in preventing oral cancer, especially recognizing and biopsying leukoplakia and squamous cell carcinoma. Dr. Ashley Clark emphasized that any sharply demarcated white lesion in the mouth should be biopsied immediately, regardless of patient age, smoking status, or symptoms. She distinguished true leukoplakia from reactive white lesions like frictional keratosis or smokeless tobacco keratosis, explaining that leukoplakia is a clinical term that requires histologic confirmation.<br /><br />The lecture highlighted high-risk sites such as the lateral and ventral tongue, floor of mouth, and gingiva, and stressed the under-recognition of proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL), which often appears as multiple sharply bordered gingival lesions and can progress to cancer. Dr. Clark also reviewed oral squamous cell carcinoma presentations, including red, white, ulcerated, exophytic, and indurated lesions, noting that gingival cancers are often misdiagnosed as inflammatory or periodontal disease.<br /><br />Her main message: do not “watch” suspicious lesions—biopsy or refer immediately. Brush biopsy may be used only when a patient refuses scalpel biopsy, but it is not a substitute for diagnosis. Early detection and prompt biopsy are essential to improving survival and preventing malignant transformation.

Asset Caption

Description This course will provide general dentists with information about oral cancer. Potentially malignant disorders, particularly leukoplakia, will be discussed. Prevention of the disease is primarily the job of oral healthcare professionals; therefore, a focus will be on preventing oral squamous cell carcinoma by recognizing and treating potentially malignant conditions. Learning Objectives Discuss potentially malignant disorders of the oral cavity, specifically leukoplakia. Determine an appropriate treatment plan for patients with leukoplakia. Discuss how to help prevent squamous cell carcinoma in your patient population. Speaker Bio Ashley Clark, DDS, FACD, FICD, FAAOMP, is a board-certified oral pathologist currently serving as the president of CAMP Laboratory in Indianapolis, Indiana, after a nearly decade-long career in academia. She is on the professional board for Oral Cancer Cause and Digital Dental Notes, as well as on AGD’s General Dentistry Advisory Board in oral and maxillofacial pathology. Clark has won several teaching awards, provided over 200 continuing education courses, and authored more than 50 publications and book chapters.

Keywords

oral cancer

leukoplakia

biopsy

squamous cell carcinoma

proliferative verrucous leukoplakia

high-risk oral lesions

gingival cancer

early detection

dental team