摘要：

Most early cancers of the head and neck are not difficult to diagnose, especially those of the skin, lips, and oral cavity. They are usually accessible to examination, and even some of the more obscure may be detected by palpation. In this respect, the dentist is in an enviable position to detect and recognize early neoplasms. Many people who are in good health otherwise present themselves to the dentist, but may go years without being examined by their physician. To be able to take full advantage of this opportunity, the dentist must be familiar with signs of early malignancies. He must also be cognizant of the various techniques for securing adequate biopsies. This knowledge has been invaluable in the detection and cure of many cancers which otherwise would have gone to the terminal phase. Early mouth cancer often causes the layman to suspect trouble with his teeth, or denture, and to consult his dentist. It is here the dentist carries the responsibility of detecting a malignant growth, and is offered the opportunity to save another life.

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