Up-to-date, evidence-based information you can trust
We believe knowledge is power. That’s why The Mouth Cancer Charity is dedicated to bringing you the most current, evidence-based research so you can make informed choices for your health.
Latest Research:
1- Miranda-Filho, A., & Bray, F. (2020). Global patterns and trends in cancers of the lip, tongue and mouth. Oral oncology, 102, 104551.
Abstract: “Global descriptions of international patterns and trends in oral cancer are informative in providing insight into the shifting epidemiologic patterns and the potential prevention of these tumours. We present global statistics on these cancers using the comprehensive set of national estimates and recorded data collated at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).”
2- Daniel, M., & Rogers, S. N. (2022). Professional delays in referral of patients with mouth cancer: six case histories. British Dental Journal, 233(12), 1003-1008.
Abstract: “Professional delay is an important delay in referral of patients with suspected mouth cancer. Missing the possibility of cancer might not only result in worse outcomes in respect to function and survival, but also have medicolegal implications. The aim of this article was to review a consecutive cohort of patients over a two-year period with mouth cancer diagnosis and identify those with professional delay and illustrate the main types of presentations using short case histories. The multi-disciplinary team records were used to identify case notes of a two-year (2019 and 2020) consecutive cohort of patients diagnosed with mouth cancer, including referrals from primary and secondary care. Professional delay was considered if red flag symptoms were not referred within two weeks or if there was initial misdiagnosis. In total, 246 patients with mouth cancer were discussed with the multi-disciplinary team: 35 had delay in referral or misdiagnosis of mouth cancer. Six common scenarios were identified: 1) sudden onset paraesthesia; 2) dental abscess; 3) temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome (TMJD) and abscess; 4) TMJD; 5) trauma/facial fracture; and 6) non-healing socket following dental extraction. To conclude, it can be difficult to accurately diagnose mouth cancer in primary dental and medical care and an index of suspicion is essential in order to minimise the possibility of professional delay.”
3-Beacher, N. G., & Sweeney, M. P. (2018). The dental management of a mouth cancer patient. British dental journal, 225(9), 855-864.
Abstract: “Dentists and dental care professionals have a key role to play in the journey of the mouth cancer patient. Involved in the prevention, diagnosis and delivery of oral healthcare before, during and following mouth cancer treatment, dental professionals are essential to the delivery of patient care. This article will explore and consider the priorities of dental pre-assessment and the subsequent delivery of oral healthcare in the context of the different oncology treatment strategies utilised and in end-of-life care. The significant side effects of radiotherapy will be reviewed and clinical dental considerations presented using the existing evidence base and available guidelines. Ensuring mouth cancer does not result in dental disease is an important role for all members of the dental community.”
4-Lewis, M. A. (2018). Mouth cancer: presentation, detection and referral in primary dental care. British Dental Journal, 225(9), 833-840.
Abstract: “Mouth cancer can present as a variety of abnormalities and visible changes affecting the oral mucosa, including ulceration, swelling and areas of erythema. The five-year survival from mouth cancer is poor at approximately 50%. Detection of the cancer while less than 2 cm in diameter with no metastasis greatly improves the outcome for the patient. Although many cancers in the mouth develop from what was previously an apparently normal mucosa, some arise in pre-existing conditions that are therefore regarded as potentially malignant. Regular assessment of the soft tissues within the mouth and the neck for the presence of abnormalities is an essential component of primary dental care. Any persistent and unexplained abnormality requires referral for definitive diagnosis and specialist management.”
5-Brocklehurst, P. R., & Speight, P. M. (2018). Screening for mouth cancer: the pros and cons of a national programme. British dental journal, 225(9), 815-819.
Abstract: “The paper highlights the pros and cons of a national programme for screening for oral cancer. It provides an overview of screening methods and the metrics used to evaluate a screening programme. It then reviews the evidence for mouth cancer screening against the criteria of the United Kingdom National Screeninhe dental management of a mouth cancer patient. g Committee.”