Lip Cancer Signs

On the lookout for a sinister presence

PAUL O'DWYER

WORD OF MOUTH:  ‘I’VE JUST come in for a check-up.” As I tip back the chair, ask about that troublesome tooth, the ancient denture and perhaps the latest match, I begin the routine oral examination. Most dentists have a system of examining patients’ mouths. It may surprise you that examination begins the moment you walk through the door.

Oral health can be judged not just by looking in the mouth, but by a patient’s countenance and appearance. See those nicotine-stained fingers? Smoker – heavy staining on the teeth, increased risk of dental and oral health problems. Chewed fingernails? Stressed patient – probably grinds teeth. Thirsty patient looking for water? Nervous, perhaps, or taking medication that causes a dry mouth. These and other telltale signs prepare the dentist for later findings.

As the chair buzzes back, and I take a look inside, the familiar chorus of letters and numbers are recited. You know how it goes. “Upper left six. MOD. Lower right five MO.” All of this sounds like some Cold War spy language. It is, of course, that “dentalese” language dental staff speak fluently.

As the examination continues, there is usually a pause – sometimes lengthy. The dentist may ask you to raise your tongue or open wider. The next piece of dentalese usually goes something like “I/O : NAD”. I/O is shorthand for intra-oral (examination) and the letters NAD stand for “no abnormality detected”. Three simple words. No abnormality detected. These words are (thankfully) chorused throughout dental surgeries in Ireland every day. However, this may not always be the case, as I can personally testify.

We are all sadly familiar with cancer, particularly the common ones: lung, breast, cervical, prostate and skin. Recent campaigns to combat cancer are proving effective.

Cervical cancer provides a good example. Women are generally better at health issues than men. Their attendance for screening is turning the tide with this cancer, thanks to a successful Cervical Check national campaign. The Irish Cancer Society records that in 2009 there were 304 cases of cervical cancer in Ireland.

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