Early detection of oral cancers: current status and future prospects. Issue 2 (April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Iyer, Subramania; Thankappan, Krishnakumar; Balasubramanian, Deepak
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in otolaryngology & head and neck surgery. Volume 24:Issue 2(2016:Apr.)
• Publication Date: 2016-04
• Subjects: early detection -- oral cancer -- population-based screening -- screening -- visual oral examination; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; Neck -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Head -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1097/MOO.0000000000000237
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1068-9508

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose of review: This article reviews the current literature and summarizes the latest developments in screening and early detection of oral cancers and looks at the future possibilities. Recent findings: Oral cancer is the best model for screening and prevention. The screening for oral cancer can be population based, opportunistic, or targeted. A long-term 15-year follow-up data of a randomized controlled study from a developing country setting indicated a sustained reduction in oral cancer mortality in high-risk individuals. Visual oral examination remains the mainstay in the screening. Several adjunctive techniques have been described to aid in the clinical examination of these lesions. A Cochrane review revealed that there is no evidence to recommend these adjuncts in clinically visible lesions. Salivary biomarkers seem to be promising as a tool for screening in the future. A Targeted Evidence Update for the US Preventive Services Task Force found no evidence on screening either in the general or selected high-risk population for oral cancer in the United States or on benefit of any adjunctive device affecting the performance of the screening examination. Summary: Current evidence shows that community based screening has a value in reducing the oral cancer mortality in high-risk group of population. But this evidence may not be universally applicable.