FALSE TEETH AND CANCER.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9654, 10 July 1919, Page 3

FALSE TEETH AND CANCER.

■ The plates used for supporting false teeth, when imperfectly fitted, are proving such a prolific source of cancer that a note of warning is sounded by Dr. C. Everett Field, Director of the Radium Institute, in the "Journal of the American Medical Association." "There have come under my observation as Director of the Radium Institute of New York City many instances in which faulty artificial dentures have caused the development of malignant growths along the lines of masiliary processes.

"The mouth, with its tender membranes, is peculiarly subject to injuries which are difficult to heal. If there be a predisposition toward cancel', it is likely that it will crop out in any region whero the soil has been suitably prepared to foster the growth of malignant cells. ''

"Where a set of teeth fits imperfectly, the constaift abrasion on the gums causeSj.jit- first,, the development of an area, of congested tissue. In time this formation degenerates into an ulcerated state, which, although innocent enough in the beginning, may soon exhibit a rapid malignant transformation. The change from a healthy structure of the gums to that of cancer moves on so insidiously in the early stages that frequently the condition when recogni seel is difficult to combat.

■"Radium offers to the truly hopeless and inoperable cancer case the one relief possible, and seemingly it gives such aid in every instance, Commonly wo see- miicll of the pain lessened, the discharges improved, the odour checked to a degree and the patient comforted. While improved technique may be increasing somewhat our success, we feel that far better results can be secured by urging the necessity of a more prompt recognition of the early signs of malignancy. "Let it be emphasised as strongly as possible that any chronic irritation serves as a predisposing factor at least in causing cancer. Let it bo also emphasised that cancer is at first a local disease, which for a time is held within its own confines. As such it is curable by prompt and thorough removal.. Let it still further be emphasised that the sole reason why cancer is at present so seldom cured is because it is rarely recognised in its primary state and promptly accorded treatment.' 1