Mouth anomalies with precancerous potential: Diagnostic procedures and additional details
The term "Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders" (OPMDs) is the scientifically preferred name for conditions that, while not oral cancers themselves, carry a higher than average risk of developing into oral cancers. This term has replaced older labels such as "precancer," "premalignant," or "precancerous lesions/conditions," as they suggested all lesions would progress to cancer, which is not always the case.
OPMDs encompass a range of clinical changes in the oral mucosa with varying risks. Examples of OPMDs include leukoplakia, characterized by white patches, and erythroplakia, which presents as red patches. Other examples include oral lichen planus, submucosal fibrosis, chronic inflammation, and several other conditions such as lupus erythematosus, actinic keratosis, dyskeratosis congenita, epidermolysis bullosa, and chronic Candida infections.
Doctors and dentists receive training to identify OPMDs based on their appearance. If a dentist suspects a mouth lesion may be an OPMD, they will typically refer the individual to a healthcare professional who may suggest a biopsy for further examination. A biopsy involves removing a small sample of the possible OPMD for testing to look for cancer cells.
Early detection and management of OPMDs are crucial in preventing malignant transformation. The tongue is the most common subsite of oral cancer, followed by the lips and buccal mucosa, the gingiva, the floor of the mouth, the hard palate, and the retromolar trigone.
If the biopsy results suggest mouth cancer, doctors will discuss treatment options with the person. In some cases, doctors or dentists may want to remove or correct mouth irritants before a biopsy, such as dental plaque, tartar, sharp teeth, or appliances.
Surgical intervention is the primary form of treatment for oral cancer, and doctors may combine it with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy. It's essential to remember that while OPMDs carry an increased risk of oral cancer, not all will progress to malignancy. Regular dental check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of developing OPMDs and, subsequently, oral cancer.
Sources: - Binational Symposium on Oral Cancer and Related Disorders
- Maintaining optimal oral health through regular dental check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMDs) and, subsequently, oral cancers.
- In the field of medical-conditions, OPMDs are a significant area of interest in health-and-wellness, encompassing a range of clinical changes in the oral mucosa with varying risks, such as leukoplakia, erythroplakia, and oral lichen planus.
- Science has played a pivotal role in the understanding of oral cancers, shifting the terminology from labels like "precancer" to the more accurate term "Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders" (OPMDs), which signifies conditions that have a higher-than-average risk of developing into oral cancers.
