Mouth cancer: impact of COVID-19

This lecture will provide an overview of presentation, detection and referral of mouth cancer in 2021.  

Participants will gain an understanding of the importance of detection of mouth cancer at a time (Stage 1 or Stage 2) when the tumour is relatively small and the 5-year survival likely to be more than 50%. The key to improved outcome for the patient is the recognition of the clinical changes within the oral mucosa that fulfil the criteria for Urgent Suspected Cancer referral.  

Learning objectives  

1. Recognise the clinical signs and symptoms of mouth cancer.   
2. Appreciate the impact of COVID-19 on the detection and outcome of mouth cancer.   
3. Refer patients appropriately using the Urgent Suspected Cancer pathway.   

This lecture meets the criteria for category C & D of the GDC's development outcomes for enhanced CPD (maintenance and development of knowledge and skill within your field of practice)