Skin cancer - what general dental practitioners should look for

• Published in: British dental journal Vol. 236; no. 4; pp. 279 - 283
• Main Authors: R. Drodge, Daniel, Staines, Konrad, Shipley, Debbie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 23-02-2024; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: Clinical; Dentistry; Dentists; Malignancy; Medical diagnosis; Melanoma; Patients; Skin cancer; Skin diseases; Skin lesions
• ISSN: 0007-0610; 1476-5373; 1476-5373
• DOI: 10.1038/s41415-024-7084-6

General dental practitioners (GDPs) are well-placed to identify incidental skin lesions when they see patients for routine dental care. Indeed, some patients with an undiagnosed skin malignancy may only see their GDP on a regular basis rather than their general medical practitioner (GMP). GDPs should be able to assess exposed areas of skin, particularly focusing on the head and neck, to identify any lesions of concern and liaise with the patient's GMP where appropriate. We provide an overview focused upon the clinical appearances of isolated benign and malignant lesions, tailored for GDPs.
Key points
General dental practitioners are well-placed to notice and act on skin cancers.
The ABCDE and seven-point checklist are prompts for features of melanoma and can be applied as an aide-mémoire.
Keratinocyte skin cancers are common and some examples are illustrated in the article.