Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer screenings are preventive exams conducted by dentists or healthcare professionals to detect signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in the mouth. These screenings involve a thorough examination of the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat to identify abnormalities like sores, lumps, or discolored tissue. In some cases, additional diagnostic tools, such as special lights or dyes, may be used to highlight suspicious areas. Early detection through oral cancer screenings is crucial, as it increases the chances of successful treatment. Risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and prolonged sun exposure. Regular screenings are recommended, especially for individuals at higher risk.
Early Detection
Oral cancer screening is a routine part of a dental examination. Regular check-ups, including an examination of the entire mouth, are essential in the early detection of cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will carefully examine the inside of your mouth and tongue for flat, painless, white or red spots or small sores. Although most of the time these are harmless, some are not. While harmful oral spots or sores often look identical to benign spots, testing can tell them apart.
If you have a sore with an obvious cause, your dentist may treat it and ask you to return for re-examination. However, your dentist might notice a spot or sore that looks harmless and does not have a clear cause. To ensure that a spot or sore is not dangerous, your dentist may choose to perform a simple test, such as a brush test.
Know what to look for:
- Tiny, unnoticed white or red spots or sores anywhere in the mouth.
- Oral cancer can affect and part of the oral cavity, including the lips, gum tissue, cheek lining, tongue and the hard or soft palate.
- Any change in the way the teeth fit together can be a sign of oral cancer.
- A sore or sores that bleed easily or do not heal.
- A change in the color of oral tissues.
- A lump, thickening rough spot, crust, or small eroded area.
- Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips.
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue.
Who is at risk?
- Oral cancer most often occurs in those who use tobacco in any form.
- Prolonged exposure to the sun increases the risk of lip cancer.
- Oral cancer is more likely to strike after age 40.
- Oral cancer can affect people of all ages, regardless of lifestyle.
What can I do to prevent oral cancer?
- Studies suggest that a diet high in fruits and vegetables may prevent the development of potentially cancerous lesions.
- Refraining from alcohol and tobacco use reduces the risk of oral cancer.
