Head and Neck cancers are on the rise, particularly amongst men.  While smoking and alcohol are significant risk factors, in many cases Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is implicated.  HPV is the virus responsible for cervical cancer in women. The cervical cancer vaccine given to our children, is now aiding as a cancer vaccine for head and neck cancers. Head and Neck Cancer can be in the mouth, throat, neck, nose, sinuses and salivary glands.

At the Kois Symposium last year, Dr Andrea Shepperson heard two very moving presentations by Head and Neck Cancer survivors who were dentist colleagues based in the US. Both men, aged in their late 50’s, had no symptoms apart from a lump in the neck.

The treatment is significant – radiation, surgery, muscle damage, swallowing impaired, nerve damage and extreme dry mouth.  While we can help with many products and treatments to relieve symptoms, they significantly affect quality of life.

Dentists play a major role in early detection of head and neck cancer.

Many of you will have experienced a head and neck exam done by all of our clinicians – palpation of nodes and glands externally around the head and neck. This is just one of the many reasons why routine dental examinations are so important.  If you haven’t had that recently please ask next time you are in the office – it should be standard procedure at Lumino City Dental.
Self checks are encouraged, in the same way we do a prostate or breast self check exam. For men, shaving is a good time to inspect your neck.  Compare the two sides.  Are they the same?  For women, putting makeup or moisturiser on is a great time to feel for lumps, asymmetries and anything that has changed.

Other symptoms could be:

• A persistent cough, hoarseness or sore throat.
• Difficulty swallowing
• A tongue that has lost mobility or won’t poke out as far as usual.
• White or red patches in the mouth.
• Needing to clear your throat all the time.
• Recurrent laryngitis.

Self-check with photos

Ask a family member or friend to take photos of you with your head tilted back and to the side. If you notice any abnormal lumps or bumps in your neck, contact your dentist.  If you’re concerned you can send a photo to info@citydental.co.nz or book an examination.

Why Go to a Kois Trained Dentist?

Lumino City Dental at Quay Park provides a unique service driven by the clinical philosophy of the Kois Centre in Seattle.  It is comprehensive, holistic and evidence based approach to your oral health.  Led by Our Lead Dentist and Kois Center Mentor, Dr Andrea Shepperson, the entire team is trained and focused on delivery excellence to you.