Until the 16th of May, all residents of the capital of São Paulo who are going to be vaccinated against the Influenza virus, which causes the flu, will be directed to the oral care of the Basic Health Unit (UBS) to carry out an examination of the oral cavity, carried out by a dental surgeon. The action is part of a campaign for the prevention and early diagnosis of oral cancer, developed by the Municipal Health Department.
Oral cancer is a malignant tumor that affects the structures of the oral cavity, such as the tongue, region under the tongue, lips, gums, cheeks and region of the roof of the mouth. The disease can affect both sexes, but is more common in men over the age of 40.
According to the National Cancer Institute (Inca), for each year of the triennium 2020-2022, it is estimated that the number of new cases of oral cancer in Brazil is 11,200 in men and 4,010 in women. The Southeast and South regions have the highest incidence and mortality rates of the disease.
Among the main risk factors for oral cancer are smoking, alcohol consumption, sun exposure, the HPV virus (human papillomavirus) and family history. Prevention consists of good eating habits, oral hygiene and use of sunscreen. If the person notices the appearance of lesions (wounds) on the lips or in the oral cavity, which do not heal for more than 15 days, with growth or bleeding, the recommendation is that a dentist is sought as soon as possible.
If changes are observed during the consultation with the UBS dentist, citizens will continue in the service and must return on a date scheduled by the unit for reassessment and referral to a Dental Specialty Center (CEO), if necessary. If malignancy is suspected, the patient should have an exam scheduled with the CEO’s stomatologist, without the need to wait for reassessment. Biopsies are performed at the CEO and, if the diagnosis of cancer is confirmed, immediate referral is made for treatment in the municipal network.
cases in São Paulo
According to the Health Department, in 2020, 209 cases with positive results underwent biopsy. Of these, 72% were male and 61% were 60 years of age or older; 77.5% of patients reported having been smokers and 57% had consumed alcohol. The tongue was the affected region in 40% of the cases, followed by the floor of the mouth (19%) and lips (16%).
In 2021, 231 cases were identified, with 83.5% of the patients being male and 57% being 60 years of age or older; 82% have been smokers and 66% have consumed alcohol. The tongue was affected in 37% of the cases, followed by the palate (16%) and the lip (15%).
The oral health teams at the UBS also advise patients on the importance of preventive actions, such as cleaning teeth and dentures, oral self-examination, self-care, balanced diet and negative consequences of smoking, alcohol consumption, ill-fitting dentures, among others.
