Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects any part of the mouth, including the lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, roof of the mouth, and floor of the mouth. It is one of the several types of head and neck cancers that are often treated similarly.
And according to the Canadian Dental Association, about 6% of oral cancers occur among persons under 40 years of age and is the 13th most common type of cancer in Canada.
Oral cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. That’s why it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of oral cancer and how to screen for it.
In this article, we will explore the common signs and symptoms of oral cancer and discuss how dentists can screen for it effectively.
How to Screen for Oral Cancer
Screening for oral cancer is an examination performed by a dentist or doctor to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. The goal of oral cancer screening is to identify mouth cancer early, when there is a greater chance for a cure.
Most dentists perform an examination of your mouth during a routine dental visit to screen for oral cancer. The examination includes a thorough look at all the parts of your mouth, including your lips, gums, tongue, the insides of your cheeks, and the roof of your mouth. Some dentists may use additional tests to aid in identifying areas of abnormal cells in your mouth.
Importance of Dental Screening:
Our dentists are trained to detect oral cancer during routine dental check-ups. They perform a thorough examination of your oral cavity, looking for any abnormal tissue or signs of oral cancer. Dental screenings are non-invasive and painless, making them an essential preventive measure.
How Dentists Screen for Oral Cancer:
During a dental screening, our dentist will perform the following procedures:
Visual Examination: Our dentist will visually inspect your mouth, gums, tongue, throat, and surrounding tissues, looking for any abnormalities. They may also feel your lymph nodes and jaw for any lumps or swelling.
Palpation: They will gently feel the tissues in your mouth and neck to check for lumps, swelling, or other irregularities.
Additional Tests: In some cases, dentists may use additional screening tools such as VELscope or OralID, which help in detecting abnormal tissues that may not be visible to the naked eye.
Screening for oral cancer may involve:
• Medical history review: Our dentist may ask you about your personal and family history of oral cancer, tobacco and alcohol use, sun exposure, and other risk factors.
• Physical examination: Our dentist will inspect your face, neck, lips, and mouth for any signs of cancer or precancerous lesions. They may also feel your lymph nodes and jaw for any lumps or swelling. They may use a lighted instrument to look inside your mouth and throat. They may also ask you to stick out your tongue and move it from side to side.
• Laboratory tests: If our dentist finds an unusual sore or patch in your mouth, they may take a sample of tissue (biopsy) and send it to a laboratory for testing. A biopsy is the only way to definitively diagnose oral cancer.
If you’re concerned about your risk of oral cancer, talk to our dentist about whether screening is right for you.
Oral cancer can be a serious disease if not detected early. By knowing the signs and symptoms of oral cancer and how to screen for it, you can increase your chances of finding it early and getting effective treatment. If you have any concerns about oral cancer, don’t hesitate to contact us at 403-244-3844. We are here to help you with your oral health and well-being.
