Skin cancer: a guide for the dental healthcare practitioner

Abstract

The incidence of developing a skin cancer is increasing in the UK. The vast majority of skin cancers occur on the head and neck, linked to the increased exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun. Dental healthcare practitioners are expert at examining the head and neck, although anecdotal evidence suggests a lack of confidence in screening for and in managing skin lesions. This article briefly describes the epidemiology, key features and management of various skin lesions, in addition to practical steps general dentists can take to screen for skin cancer. It also describes the various presentations of skin cancer, including in darker skin tones, and how dentists can manage such patients.

Keywords: Skin cancer; basal cell carcinoma; dentistry; melanoma; screening; squamous cell carcinoma.