"Oral Cancer & Premalignancy - A Guide to Diagnosis and Management"

 Instructor: Scott M. Peters, D.D.S., Associate Professor - Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology - Geisinger Medical Center

 Synopsis:  Accurate and timely diagnosis of oral premalignant lesions and oral cancer represents an important aspect of both general dental and specialty-based practice.  During this course, participants will learn to recognize the variable presentations of oral precancerous lesions and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).  Oral premalignant lesions; including leukoplakia, erythroplakia, proliferative verrucous leukoplakia, actinic cheilitis, and lichen planus will be discussed.  In addition, biopsy techniques, including site selection, will be covered.

At the end of the course, the participant should be able to:

1.  Define an oral precancerous lesion and recognize the different forms of oral, premalignant diseases
2.   Understand the role of tissue biopsy in ascertaining a definitive diagnosis.
3.   Determine appropriate biopsy site selection and technique for different oral lesions
4.   Recognize the varied clinical  manifestations of oral cancer
5.  Understand the role of the dental provider in the detection and diagnosis or oral, precancerous and malignant lesions