Adverse effects of false positive results include negative psychological effects of labelling and added costs of continued investigation. Low positive predictive values and low prevalence of oral cancers limit the usefulness of screening measures. No studies of the cost-effectiveness studies of screening programs have been undertaken. Virtually no adverse effects were reported. Radiation and surgical treatments of invasive oral cancers appear to have similar survival rates.
Cancer stage is an important prognostic factor.
Citations in support of individual recommendations are identified in the guideline text. Although the recommendation has not changed, the evidence review has been updated for this recommendation. Individual judgment should be used regarding the use of tolonium chloride for those with positive oral examination results. This report was externally peer reviewed. Recommendations and background papers were sent for external peer review.