Human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, is a group of viruses that includes more than 100 different strains or types and is the most common sexually transmitted virus. The American Social Health Association reports that 75% or more of sexually active Americans will contract HPV sometime in their lives. HPV is most commonly attributed to causing cervical cancer and genital warts, but HPV is also associated with oral cancer.
According to a study in the September/October 2008 issue of General Dentistry, the clinical, peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), oral HPV can be detected using a device called the VELscope that patients may already have experienced during routine procedures. John C. Comisi, DDS, the author of the study, explains that when emitting a specific wavelength of light into the mouth, oral fluorescence occurs, which in turn causes the tissue to emit its own light (this is called natural fluorescence). The VELscope produces a blue light that provokes a reaction from the oral tissue cells. Healthy cells will fluoresce back and appear green in color. The damaged and unhealthy cells will not fluoresce but will appear as black or dark maroon areas against the green surrounding tissue.
“Surgery can remove cancerous lesions, but typically if they are found at a late stage, the surgery can be extensive,” says Dr. Comisi. “Only early detection can help to minimize the extent of surgery needed to eradicate the disease. The earlier a lesion is detected, the higher the rate of survival,” he adds.
The Oral Cancer Foundation warns that oral cancer is typically hard to diagnose because it may not be noticed by the patient in the early stages. Eugene Antenucci, DMD, an AGD spokesperson, said, “Dentists have a unique ability to diagnose disease at an early stage. All dentists are trained to do comprehensive oral screening examinations—each individual practitioner decides on how to implement their training in their practices.”
Numerous studies have connected oral health to overall health. It is very important for patients to disclose all health-related problems to a dentist, including STDs. Dr. Antenucci adds, Web site educational information also proves helpful in educating patients regarding diseases such as HPV, its mode of transmission, means of prevention, and the need for regular examinations utilizing technologies such as VELscope for early detection.
(Source: Science Daily Web site, February 19, 2009. Adapted from materials provided by AGD)
