Dear Eva, In January of 2012, when I was in college, I volunteered in the oral oncology department of the British Columbia Cancer Agency. During this time I was exposed to dentistry and the challenges faced by those undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer, but I didn’t really connect the dots between cancer and dentistry at that time. I …
1
Temple Dental Students Speak out about Oral Cancer and Eva Grayzel’s Presentation
For the last 7 years, my presentation, Tongue-Tied: A Story NOT Silenced by Oral Cancer was put into the dental school curriculum by oral pathologist Maria Fornatora, D.M.D, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry. For one hour, I’m given the chance to inspire, motivate and impact the way dental students will provide services to …
2
A Good Story About Saving a Life by Catching Oral Cancer Early!
Dear Eva, Thank you for your dedication to this cause. I ashamedly admit that in my 30+ years as a dentist I have become lax about the thoroughness and frequency of my head and neck exams in my practice. But I must tell you a short story… About 9 months ago I was doing a routine examination on a long …
Educating Patients about Oral Cancer
Eva: Do you get an oral cancer screening? Friend: I don’t know. What is it exactly? Eva: They pull your tongue out with a gauze until it’s uncomfortable so they can see the back borders of your tongue. Does your dentist or hygienist do that? Friend: Um, I’m not sure. Eva: Do they palpate your neck for lymph nodes? Friend: …
8
A Physician Receives an Oral Cancer Diagnosis – He Had No Idea Until It Was Stage IV
Dear Eva, Nine months ago I asked my dentist about the lesion on the floor of my mouth. He said it’s ‘tori’, a bony growth condition caused by grinding and stress. “Don’t worry about it.”Four months later I developed a horse voice. I am Vice-Chief of Anesthesiology at a cancer center so I asked a colleague to scope me. He …