How Dentists Can Misdiagnose Oral Cancer

Connecticut residents visiting their dentist expect a thorough oral examination. Dentists are clinically trained to inspect mucosal tissues for early indicators of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma and precancerous leukoplakia.

Common Dental Screening Failures

Dentists owe patients a standard of care during routine cleanings and examinations. Common failures include:

• Failure to Inspect: Skipping visual and tactile examination of the tongue, floor of the mouth, and soft palate.
• Misdiagnosing Lesions: Mistaking a malignant ulcer or lesion for a benign aphthous ulcer (canker sore) or denture irritation without follow-up.
• Delayed Biopsy Referral: Waiting months to monitor a persistent lesion rather than immediately referring the patient to an oral surgeon for a biopsy.

The Consequences of Delayed Diagnosis

When oral cancer is caught in Stage I, survival rates and treatment outcomes are significantly higher. When a dentist fails to act promptly, the cancer may metastasize to cervical lymph nodes, requiring radical jaw resection, chemotherapy, or radiation.

Attorney Richard T. Meehan Jr. reviews delayed oral cancer diagnosis inquiries to hold negligent dental providers accountable.