Dentists May Play Important Role in Recognising Facial Skin Cancer

CHICAGO, IL -- March 16, 1999 -- Dentists may play a significant role in early recognition and diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma on the head and neck, according to authors of a case study reported in this month’s issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most prevalent of an estimated one million new cases of skin cancer that will be diagnosed in the United States this year, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). ACS also says early detection is critical and cure is likely if treated early.

"Dentists have the opportunity to closely inspect facial skin for lesions," said lead-author, Bob Rishiraj, DDS, department of dentistry, Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Center, Vancouver, B.C.

Early diagnosis and management may lead to improved cure rates, with reduced morbidity, Dr. Rishiraj explained. The authors reported on three cases of oral-facial basal cell carcinoma, demonstrating the range of clinical manifestations from small to large lesions.

In the case study, two of the three patients reported to the dental clinic of the Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre, in which the dentist detected the disease in its early stages. Two years after treatment, there was no evidence of recurrence in both cases.

In the third case, according to the authors, it was quite clear that basal cell carcinoma had been present for years.

"It is rare to see such a massive facial lesion as that in the third case," Dr. Rishiraj said. "Unfortunately, the patient did not accept the diagnosis and treatment."

Dentists are aware of the signs and symptoms of basal cell and they may be able to recognise the disease in its early stages during an examination, according to the authors.

"With early detection and treatment, basal cell can be cured in many people," they said.