News - St. Joseph's/Candler Provides Head & Neck Screenings to City of Savannah Employees

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St. Joseph's/Candler Provides Head & Neck Screenings to City of Savannah Employees

Paul P. Hinchey
President & CEO
St. Joseph's/Candler

Betsy Yates
Public Relations Manager
St. Joseph's/Candler
(912) 819-8139
yatesb@sjchs.org

May 9, 2006

The Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion (LCRP) at St. Joseph's/Candler will sponsor free head and neck screenings for City of Savannah employees on Thursday, May 11.

The St. Joseph's/Candler Health Promotion and Screening Department will join Dr. Harold Black and Dr. Fred Daniels in conducting the screenings from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Civic Center for City of Savannah employees and their families.

Head and Neck cancer encompasses the area around the head and neck region (except skin or brain cancer) including the oral cavity, paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx (voice box), and the lymph nodes in the neck. Lips, the lining inside the lips and cheeks, the teeth, the floor of the mouth under the tongue, front two-thirds of the tongue, top of the mouth, gums, area behind the wisdom teeth, minor and major salivary glands all make up the oral cavity.

The most common symptoms of head and neck cancer is the formation of a skin lesion, lump, or ulcer on the tongue, lip, or other mouth area that is usually small and most often pale colored, may be dark or discolored. It may also be a deep, hard edged crack in the tissue that is usually painless initially but may develop a burning sensation or pain when the tumor is advanced. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing, swelling of the tongue, and abnormal taste.

The biggest risk factor of Head and Neck cancer is smoking cigarettes, pipes, cigars and using smokeless tobacco products. Other risks factors include alcohol use, neglect of oral hygiene, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight (lower lip), exposure to biological, chemical elements (nasal sinuses), and viruses, such as Human Papilloma Virus and Epstein- Barr.

The best way to prevent head and neck cancer is to never start or quit smoking and using other tobacco products. Minimize or avoid the use of alcohol. Head and Neck cancer is usually discovered by dentists during a routine dental examination so make the recommended visits to your dentists yearly and practice good oral hygiene.

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