Fibula Free Flap Reconstruction Following removal of oral, head and neck pathology (e.g., cyst, tumor), patients need to re-establish or improve their function and appearance. They can turn to oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) who have completed advanced training in a reconstruction process involving microvascular surgery that requires moving one part of the body to… Read more »
Oral Cancer
HPV Vaccine
HPV Vaccine The HPV vaccine is for men, women and children and prevents infections associated with the most common types of HPV, including many associated with oropharyngeal cancers. The HPV vaccine only prevents new HPV infections. As such, the CDC recommends the vaccine to be administered to children before HPV exposure occurs. Patients who have not… Read more »
MRONJ: Risk Factors, Treatments and Concerns
MRONJ: Risk Factors, Treatments and Concerns MRONJ (medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw) is commonly associated with drugs that prevent bone resorption, such as bisphosphonates, and RANK ligand (RANKL) inhibitors such as denosumab. These drugs are used to treat osteoporosis or cancer that has metastasized to the bone and can interfere with the jawbone’s ability to… Read more »
Oral Cancer Symptoms and Types
Oral Cancer Symptoms and Types To help diagnose oral cancer early, patients should perform routine self-exams and identify potential oral cancer symptoms. The earlier oral cancer symptoms are identified and diagnosed, the easier the treatment and the greater the chance of a cure. When oral cancers are discovered in an early stage of development, the… Read more »
Oral Pathology vs. Oral Cancer
Oral Pathology vs. Oral Cancer The discovery of a cyst or sore during an oral self-exam may be upsetting. If you discover a suspicious lump, sore or lesion, promptly make an appointment for an examination by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Most oral pathologies are not cancerous, but each should be diagnosed by an OMS…. Read more »
Oral, Head and Neck Cancer
Oral, Head and Neck Cancer More than 53,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year, according to the National Cancer Institute. The mortality rate for oral cancer is particularly high – not because it is hard to detect, diagnose or treat, but because the cancer often is discovered late in its… Read more »
Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Screenings
Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Screenings About 650,000 people are diagnosed with oral, head and neck cancers each year, resulting in more than 330,000 deaths each year. Regular oral cancer self-exams and routine oral, head and neck cancer screenings for at-risk patients can aid in early detection and improve survival rates. Oral Cancer Risk Factors and Survival… Read more »
Oral, Head and Neck Pathology
Oral, Head and Neck Pathology Oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMS) are the experts for diagnosing and surgically treating pathology of the head, neck and mouth. What Does Pathology Mean? Pathology represents any deviation from a healthy, normal condition. Pathology can mean a lot of different things, from tumors to cysts. Tumors can be benign or… Read more »
Oropharyngeal Cancer and Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Oropharyngeal Cancer and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. While HPV can spread through direct contact between the genital areas, it also can be transmitted to the mouth and throat. Oral HPV can lead to cancers of the oropharynx (the area at the back of the… Read more »
Tobacco and E-Cigarette Use
Tobacco and E-Cigarette Use The use of tobacco and e-cigarettes can present significant health risks, including oral, head and neck cancers. Among the health concerns: OMS Voices Preview: Oral Cancer and the OMS Tobacco Impact on Oral Health In 1964, the U.S. Surgeon General published the first report from the Advisory Committee on Smoking and Health…. Read more »