How a lollipop can help to spot the early signs of mouth cancer

Scientists hope it will speed up diagnoses which affect 9,000 people a yearA lollipop that absorbs tumour-related proteins from saliva could reduce the time it takes to diagnose mouth cancer.

The researchers hope the lollipop will speed up the diagnosis of oral cancers — or could even be used to screen for tumours in those most at risk, such as people who smoke or drink large amounts of alcohol. Mouth cancer deaths over the past decade have increased because patients are unable to access an NHS dentist That's partly because more than half of cases are detected only once the tumour has spread to other parts of the neck and head, as there are rarely any obvious symptoms.

Advertisement There has been a 46 per cent increase in mouth cancer deaths over the past decade, partly due to many patients being unable to access an NHS dentist for routine check-ups, say charities such as the Oral Health Foundation.A suspicious growth is then tested with a biopsy. It can take up to six weeks for results and this procedure can be carried out only at hospital.

The lollipop test would give an immediate result and the patient could then be referred for specialist tests or a biopsy.

Health Alcohol Cancer Birmingham NHS

United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

The Sims 4 University cheats – enroll in university, learn skills, and earn a degreeAre you looking for all the Sims 4 University cheats? Help you Sims survive college life and get a degree quickly.
Source: VideoGamerCom - 🏆 83. / 55 Read more »

Peaky Blinders creator takes us back to Birmingham’s early-80s music scene in This TownWhen it came to making This Town, the new original six-part drama from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, it was vital for all the key elements to feel authentic.
Source: ShropshireStar - 🏆 98. / 51 Read more »

Birmingham stabbing verdict: Two men found guilty of murdering footballer Cody Fisher at Crane nightclubRemy Gordon and Kami Carpenter had blamed each other for stabbing Cody Fisher who died at the scene from a chest wound.
Source: SkyNews - 🏆 35. / 67 Read more »

'He was an absolute dream': Cody Fisher's mum pays tribute as Birmingham nightclub killers convictedTwo men have been found guilty of the murder of 23-year-old Cody Fisher at Crane Nightclub in Digbeth.
Source: itvnews - 🏆 69. / 61 Read more »

Two men convicted of murdering Cody Fisher in Birmingham nightclub stabbing on Boxing DayCody Fisher, 23, was fatally stabbed on the dance-floor of Crane nightclub in Digbeth on Boxing Day 2022.
Source: itvlondon - 🏆 116. / 51 Read more »

Two men found guilty of murdering footballer Cody Fisher in Birmingham nightclub stabbingTwo men have been found guilty of murdering footballer Cody Fisher who was stabbed to death on a nightclub dance floor.
Source: LBC - 🏆 17. / 74 Read more »