[Feasability study of screening for malignant lesions in the oral cavity targeting tobacco users].

BACKGROUND

Oral cavity cancer is frequent. Prognosis of this cancer is closely linked to the development. Although the oral cavity is a potentially accessible site for examination, up to 50% of oral cancers are not detected until the disease is well advanced.

METHODS

In a region where incidence rate is particularly high, local teams involved in screening, in epidemiological survey, in diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer performed a pilot feasibility study to improve strategy of early detection of oral cancer and premalignant lesion. Tobacco venders were solicited to distribute a flyer, which invite smokers to a free examination by general practitioner. General practitioners were invited to examine smokers, and to fill a predeterminate systematic oral cavity examination record during 3 months. They were asked to refer to a specialist if there was a potentially malignant disorder.

RESULTS

The involvement of tobacco venders was rated as 67.3%. Ninety-three patients were included in 3 months. General practitioners referred 27% of the examinated patients. Among them, only 63.6% really saw a specialist, and a premalignant lesion was confirmed in 15.3%; further exams were carried out in 28.6%; a benign lesion was diagnosed in 57.1%.

CONCLUSIONS

Original incentives for oral cavity screening were performed, based on multidisciplinary network. Nevertheless, it remains hardship to reach the targeted population and to maintain the patients in health system.