Benign, Potentially Malignant Or Mouth Cancer? What To Do With A Mucosal Abnormality

In health the oral mucosa is constantly being renewed due to normal cell replication and turnover.  However, this process can be influenced by external factors that result in tissue abnormalities which may be benign, potentially malignant or cancer.  This presentation will describe the features of each type of these mucosal conditions and how best to manage an individual patient.  Specific emphasis will be given to the monitoring and treatment of potentially malignant mucosal abnormalities.  The material will contain an interactive quiz to allow attendees to assess their ability to recognise mouth cancer.  Unfortunately, the incidence of mouth cancer in the UK continues to rise and detection whilst the tumour is small (less than 2cm) without nodal spread has the greatest influence on improving the overall 5-year survival of 50%.

Learning objectives

Following the presentation delegates will:

• Know how to adequately examine the soft tissues to detect mucosal changes
• Understand the difference between benign conditions, potentially malignant abnormalities and cancer
• Have an understanding of the management of non-malignant mucosal disease
• Be able to appropriately refer a patient with suspected cancer to secondary care

This talk satisfies the GDC’s learning outcome:

C – Maintenance and development of knowledge and skill within your field of practice

Professor Michael A. O. Lewis PhD, FDSRCPS, FDSRCS (Eng), FRCPath, FFGDP(UK), FHEA, Emeritus Professor, Cardiff University