Factors influencing early diagnosis of cancer of the oral cavity.

Factors associated with stage at time of diagnosis and with interval between recognition of the first symptom and histologic diagnosis were assessed in a consecutive series of patients with primary epithelial tumours of the oral cavity. Of the 160 patients 55% had stage I or II disease. The proportion was significantly higher among patients with a high socioeconomic status, those with low levels of alcohol consumption and those who regularly received dental care. The interval between recognition of the first symptom and diagnosis was not significantly related to these factors, but it was shorter for the men. These relations were specific to the patients with cancer of the oral cavity, not being seen in those with other head and neck tumours. Dental practitioners are an important source of early diagnosis of oral cavity cancers. The impact of the disease might thus be lessened by more regular dental care.