I’ve seen a lot of changes in the field of dentistry in the years that I have been inpractice. New technology greases the wheels of my profession, and I continue to fine-tune ways to customize office visits for my patients to improve their health and well-being.
Cosmetic and restorative dentistry provide obvious and immediate improvements to appearance and oral health, but there are some less-glamorous procedures that have the potential to change lives in a profound way – maybe even save a few lives. While not upbeat smile news, the oral cancer screenings we offer in our office are vitally important in light of the fact that some 37,000 deaths in the U.S. are attributed to this disease annually.
Free Oral Cancer Screenings
I have offered free oral cancer screenings in my office for years. Personally, I think it’s the most complete oral cancer exam given by any dentist in Encino, Sherman Oaks, Woodland Hills, Northridge, Van Nuys or Tarzana!
My hygienist and I both check our patients’ necks and mouths for lumps, recurring sore areas and red or white patches. Gum disease is a yellow flag, as it may be a precursor to heart disease, lung cancer, diabetes, liver cancer and pancreatic cancer. I especially recommend this screening for smokers who like their cocktails. (This combo is a primary risk factor – with links to an estimated 75 percent of all oral cancer cases.) Early detection is vital to successful treatment.
Research Out of UCLA
Down the road, I hope to be among those who do chairside salivary diagnostics for things such as pancreatic cancer – the disease with which the legendary Aretha Franklin has been diagnosed. While progress has been painfully slow in detection and treatment of this form of cancer, there is good news out of UCLA – my former teaching home and the second best dental school in our area.
A team of researchers recently isolated four different biomarkers in human saliva that are unique to pancreatic cancer. This is exciting news, because early detection would change the outcome for many pancreatic cancer patients. Typically, by the time a person suffers obvious symptoms, the cancer has spread from the pancreas into other areas of the body, where it is difficult to treat.
The screening I envision would be as simple as a swipe of a cotton swab or spitting into a test tube. A cleaning and a screening. That’s what I envision – all done in the comfort of my Encino dental office, which is specifically set up to be a non-threatening, client-centered refuge.
Pancreatic Cancer Deaths
Unfortunately, celebrities such as Luciano Pavarotti, Patrick Swayze and Michael Landon have succumbed to this disease, and millions of “regular folks” have been touched by it too. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2010 the United States will have recorded 43,140 new cases of pancreatic cancer and about 36,800 deaths.
The chances of developing pancreatic cancer are about 1 in 71. It’s an equal opportunity affliction, affecting men and women at about the same rate, and is the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the country. Studies have shown that men with advanced gum disease are 63 percent more at risk for pancreatic cancer.
Being able to take a saliva sample from a patient is so much more cost-effective than one of the more involved screening devices – and way less invasive. It would not be intimidating like being placed in a CAT scan machine or as scary as having a tube shoved down your throat. I look forward to the day when I might be able to implement this molecularly based diagnostic tool in my dental office – and save some lives.
Tip of the Day: Remember, oral cancer screenings are free at our office. I don’t charge a dime for this particular service. To make an appointment, call (818) 385-3681 or email our office. To read more about pancreatic cancer, click this link.
– Best regards, AM
