Visual screening of oral cavity cancer: The role of otolaryngologists.
OBJECTIVE
Because most screening was done by dentists, the purpose of this prospective cohort study was to evaluate the effectiveness of oral visual screening by otolaryngologists. In addition, we wanted to determine which group of enrolled patients was at potential risk of contracting oral cancer.


METHODS
All male patients age > or =18 years who visited our clinic received oral mucosal screening. Basic data, including personal habits, were also obtained. A multivariate logistic regression model was devised to determine relevant risk factors for developing oral cancer.


RESULTS
A total of 5,825 patients were enrolled in this study. Positive findings were found in 226 patients (3.9%). One hundred seventy-two patients received biopsy and 131 patients were proven to have oral cancer (sensitivity rate: 76.2%). The results showed that those who smoked, consumed alcohol, and chewed betel quid on a regular basis were most likely to contract oral cancer (odds ratio = 49.81, 95% confidence interval = 29.38-84.42).


CONCLUSIONS
The otolaryngologists involved in this study successfully performed the oral screening. The sensitivity and specificity rates were both satisfactory. We suggest that those who are habitual cigarette smokers, alcohol consumers, and betel quid chewers should receive oral mucosal screening regularly so that potential oral cancer can be detected as early as possible.
Yang
Kung-Yaun
KY
Department of Otolaryngology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.
Jiang
Rong-San
RS
Shiao
Jiun-Yih
JY
Wang
Chen-Chi
CC
Wang
Ching-Ping
CP
Liang
Kai-Li
KL
Twu
Chih-Wen
CW
Liu
Shih-An
SA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001114:Areca / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000379:methods*; D010808:Physical Examination; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*