(NAPSI)—Nurse Sandy Wexler went to her dentist in 2012 for a routine
teeth cleaning. During the exam, her dentist took a moment to feel the sides
of her face, jaw and neck, looking for signs of oropharyngeal cancer—a
type of cancer that occurs at the back of the mouth or top of the throat. Her
dentist noticed an enlarged lymph node on the right side of Wexler's neck and
sent Sandy to see her physician.
It was metastatic squamous cell oropharyngeal cancer.
After weeks of radiation and chemotherapy at The University of Texas MD
Anderson Cancer Center, Wexler was cancer-free. But had she not seen the
dentist when she did, Wexler might not be alive today.
"I credit [my dentist] with saving my life because otherwise it could
have been six more months before this could have been diagnosed and
found," she said.
The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 51,540 new cases
of oral cancer and oropharyngeal cancer diagnosed this year and 10,030 deaths
from them. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has
noted that oropharyngeal cancer is on the rise.
As doctors of oral health, dentists see the mouth as a window to overall
health and, as in Wexler's case, can identify clues suggesting cancer.
This means more and more dentists are talking with patients about health
issues that might at first pass seem unrelated but can actually affect oral
health. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is one such topic. In fact,
the American Dental Association has partnered with MD Anderson in an effort to
improve public and professional education about the HPV vaccine and
HPV-related cancers.
HPV vaccination was first discussed for its benefit in preventing cervical
cancer in women, but there are other HPV-related cancers, including those at
the back of the throat and the top of the mouth. The HPV vaccine can prevent
infection with those strains of HPV responsible for 60 percent of
oropharyngeal cancer cases. Because of this, consistent with the
recommendation of the CDC, many dentists are now recommending both their male
and female adolescent patients get the vaccine.
At your next dental appointment, don't be surprised if your dentist checks
for signs of oral and oropharyngeal cancer and talks to you about the
benefits of the HPV vaccine. HPV vaccination can prevent cancers; a thorough
exam for signs of oral and oropharyngeal cancers could save your life.
“Your
dentist may check for signs of oral and oropharyngeal cancer and talk to you
about the benefits of the HPV vaccine. HPV vaccination can prevent cancers; a
thorough exam for signs of oral and oropharyngeal cancer could save your
life. http://bit.ly/2HcvC3j”
On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)