26/05/2026
A few extra minutes can save a life.
Jonathan Gegerson was healthy, active, and had never smoked. But a doctor felt a lump in his neck — and that moment changed everything.
His diagnosis: Salivary Duct Carcinoma HER2 Positive, an extremely rare cancer affecting roughly 1 in 4 million people.
That is why the head and neck exam matters because his dentist and hygienist missed it.
The Conventional Visual and Tactile Examination — CVTE — is simple, low-cost, evidence-based, and recommended for every adult dental patient at every comprehensive visit.
Look. Palpate. Document. Refer.
As dental professionals, we often see patients more consistently than any other healthcare provider. That gives us an opportunity — and a responsibility — to look beyond the tooth and see the whole patient.
I was honored to co-author this CE article with Jonathan in Endodontic Practice US, Vol. 19 No. 1, pages 16–21.
Two CE credits available at endopracticeus.com.
Thank you, Jonathan, for sharing your story and helping turn awareness into action.
