A team at University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is working on developing a new test for oral cancer that would provide an accurate diagnosis in about 20 minutes. Dentist would use a small brush to collect cells from a patient’s mouth, place the cells on a chip, and feeding the chip into an analyzer for quick, precise results. Currently, dentists biopsy areas of concern and send the cells to off-site labs for analysis, which takes more time. Clinical trials for the new technology are beginning soon.
With early detection, oral cancer has a 90 percent survival rate, but often the disease is not discovered until late, so survival is much less. In fact, oral cancer kills more people than cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, testicular cancer, and skin cancer. This new technology could help save lives by making detection easier.
Historically, oral cancer occurs more often in more men than women, people over 40, and those with certain lifestyle factors such as tobacco use. People with no risks factors at all, however, do develop oral cancer. Because oral cancer often presents with no major symptoms in the early stages, regular dental visits are an important part of prevention. Your dentist can examine your mouth and look for any unusual areas that may need further testing. If you develop any sores that don’t heal in two weeks, have problems swallowing, or notice any difficulties with your tongue, consult your dentist right away.
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