Neoplasms

• What is the role of a dental hygienist/therapist regarding suspected oral neoplasms?

  Management and referral for further evaluation
• What is the definition of neoplasia?

  Abnormal tissue growth independent of adjoining tissues
• What characterizes malignant neoplasms?

  Fast growing and invasive into healthy tissue
• What are common features of malignant tumors?

  Abnormal shape, size, and nuclei
• How do malignant tumors spread?

  Locally and to distant sites via metastases
• What is the most common malignant tumor in the oral cavity?

  Squamous cell carcinoma
• What should a dental hygienist/therapist examine in patients?

  Soft tissue and lymph nodes
• What should be reported to the dentist?

  Swelling, ulcerations, leukoplakia, erythroplasia
• What does squamous cell carcinoma present as?

  White/red patch and ulcer fixed to tissue
• Why is a biopsy important?

  To diagnose the lesion accurately
• What is the risk factor associated with smoking?

  Increases likelihood of oral cancer by 3-fold
• How does alcohol consumption relate to oral cancer?

  Excessive intake is a risk factor
• What dietary factor is linked to oral cancer?

  Limited evidence on balanced diet impact
• What effect does UV light have on oral cancer risk?

  Increases likelihood of oral and lip cancer
• How much does a previous oral cancer experience increase recurrence risk?

  30-fold increase in recurrence risk
• Who is at greater risk for oral cancers?

  Immunosuppressed patients and organ transplant recipients
• What is a risk factor related to HPV?

  HPV infection increases cancer risk
• What oral symptoms can indicate cancer?

  Sores, lumps, patches, and pain
• What should a dental hygienist/therapist do when assessing a lesion?

  Listen, look, and feel the lesion
• What is a key symptom of oral cancer?

  Pain that doesn't go away
• What are leukoplakia and erythroplakia?

  White and red patches, respectively
• What does thickened inner cheek lining indicate?

  Possible sign of oral cancer
• What are common oral effects of chemotherapy?

  Mucositis and dry mouth
• What is xerostomia?

  Dry mouth due to salivary gland damage
• How can oral hygiene be managed for oncology patients?

  Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• What is the spit don’t rinse method?

  Increases fluoride effect after brushing
• What should be avoided in toothpaste for xerostomia?

  Sodium lauryl sulfate
• What dietary advice is given to oncology patients?

  Avoid sugary drinks and sticky sugars
• How can xerostomia be managed?

  Chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva
• What should be done if a patient has oral infections?

  Consult dentist for antifungal medication
• What should patients do with dentures at night?

  Remove and soak in water
• What are the features, signs, and symptoms indicating an oral lesion may be cancer?

  • Commonly develops in tongue, lips, FOM
  • Listen to patient’s history
  • Conduct intra and extra oral examination
  • Describe lesion characteristics
  • Check for duration and changes
  • Take clinical photographs and radiographs
  • Identify risk factors in history
  • Symptoms include sores, lumps, patches, pain
• What are the oral effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy?

  • Mucositis and ulceration
  • Dry mouth/xerostomia
  • Taste disturbances
  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Increased incidence of periodontal disease
  • Mouth ulcers and malnutrition
  • Dehydration
• What preventative advice can be given to manage oral effects in oncology patients?

  • Tailored oral hygiene instructions
  • Use fluoride toothpaste
  • Soft-bristled toothbrush if painful
  • Regular dental check-ups
  • Dietary modifications
  • Manage xerostomia effectively