Burgundy ivory ribbon awareness on doctor’s hand, symbolic bow color for head and neck cancer, oral squamous cell carcinoma, throat, laryngeal and pharyngeal cancer. (iStock)
The American Dental Association (ADA) says it is updating its recommendations on early oral cancer detection, citing advances in diagnostic technologies and the need for clearer clinical guidance.
The updated recommendations explore the use of four adjunctive tools used in screening for oral cancer and oral potentially malignant disorders.
The guidance was developed in collaboration with the Center for Integrative Global Oral Health at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
“Advances in diagnostic technologies and living guideline methodologies have created a need for updated guidance on early cancer detection,” the ADA said, noting that biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing oral cancer.
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The guidance will be released as a multi-part series throughout 2026, with the first instalment examining cytology adjuncts. Future updates will explore other diagnostic tools, including vital staining, light-based adjuncts and salivary tests.
Early detection of oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is critical to improving survival outcomes.
Early oral cancer detection is key
Historically, mortality rates associated with oral cancer remain high largely because the disease is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
In the United States, the lifetime risk of developing oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer is about 1 in 59 for men and 1 in 139 for women, according to the American Cancer Society.
Incidence rates have also been rising since the mid-2000s, increasing by about one per cent per year, largely driven by cancers linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.