Oral Cancer Screening

What Is Oral Cancer Screening?

Oral cancer screening is a procedure that helps detect signs of cancer or precancerous changes in the mouth, including the tongue, lips, gums, cheeks, roof, and floor of the mouth. It typically involves a visual and tactile examination performed by a dentist to look for unusual sores, lumps, or changes in tissue that may suggest cancerous growths.

Oral cancer screening can also involve using advanced diagnostic tools to enhance the visual examination and detect abnormalities not visible to the naked eye.

Why Is Oral Cancer Screening Important?

Oral cancer can develop without any noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular screenings are essential. If left undetected, oral cancer can spread to other parts of the body, making it harder to treat and potentially more dangerous. Screening helps identify:

• Lumps or lesions in the mouth or throat.
• Unusual sores that don’t heal.
• Changes in the texture, color, or size of tissues in the mouth.
• Bleeding in the mouth or throat.

Oral cancer screenings help identify these problems in their early stages, when the chances of successful treatment are higher.

Who Should Have an Oral Cancer Screening?

Oral cancer screening is recommended for everyone, but it’s especially important for individuals who have risk factors, including:

• Tobacco users (smoking or chewing).
• Excessive alcohol consumption.
• A history of oral cancer in the family.
• HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection, especially HPV16.
• Age – Oral cancer is more common in adults over 40.
• Sun exposure – Skin cancer on the lips can lead to oral cancer.
• A history of previous cancer or head and neck cancers.

If you are in any of these risk groups, it is crucial to schedule regular screenings with your dentist.

The Oral Cancer Screening Process

At Dental 360 Clinic, our oral cancer screening process is simple, painless, and non-invasive. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes and can be performed during your routine dental check-up.

Here’s what you can expect during the screening process:

1. Patient History

Before the examination, your dentist will ask you about your medical history and any risk factors for oral cancer. You’ll be asked about lifestyle factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, exposure to UV rays, and any family history of cancer.

2. Visual Examination

The dentist will begin by visually inspecting the inside of your mouth, including your tongue, cheeks, lips, gums, and the roof and floor of your mouth. They will look for any unusual changes, such as:

• Red or white patches in the mouth.
• Sores that do not heal after two weeks.
• Lumps or thickened areas on the gums or inside the mouth.
• Abnormal swelling or lesions on the tongue or lips.

The dentist will also examine the back of the throat, the soft palate, and the roof of the mouth for signs of infection or abnormal growths.

3. Physical Palpation

After the visual inspection, the dentist will use their hands to gently palpate (feel) the tissues in your mouth, neck, and jaw. This tactile examination helps the dentist detect any lumps, irregularities, or swellings in the soft tissues, which may indicate cancerous or precancerous changes. They may check:

• The lymph nodes in the neck for swelling or tenderness.
• The soft tissues inside your mouth for irregularities.
• The floor of the mouth and under the tongue for lumps or lesions.

4. Advanced Diagnostic Tools (if needed)

In some cases, the dentist may use advanced tools to enhance the oral cancer screening, such as:

• Velscope or Vizilite: These are special light-based devices that help detect abnormal tissue in the mouth. The light makes certain tissues appear more brightly or differently, allowing the dentist to identify potential precancerous or cancerous areas that are not visible during a standard exam.

• Biopsy: If any suspicious areas are found, a small tissue sample (biopsy) may be taken for laboratory analysis. This is usually done in a separate visit and helps confirm whether cancer is present.

5. Patient Education

If no signs of oral cancer are found, your dentist will explain the findings and advise you on how to maintain good oral health. If any abnormalities are detected, your dentist will discuss the next steps, which may include follow-up appointments, additional tests, or referrals to a specialist (such as an oral surgeon or oncologist) for further evaluation and treatment.

Benefits of Oral Cancer Screening

1. Early Detection: Oral cancer screenings allow for the early detection of oral cancer, which improves the chances of successful treatment and reduces the risk of complications.

2. Non-Invasive: The screening process is quick, non-invasive, and painless, making it a simple and comfortable procedure.

3. Peace of Mind: Regular screenings give patients peace of mind knowing that their oral health is being closely monitored.

4. Improved Outcomes: Early detection of precancerous conditions or cancer itself significantly improves the success rates of treatments like surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.

5. Prevention: Even if no cancer is found, oral cancer screenings help identify other oral health issues, such as gum disease, tooth decay, and infections, that require attention.

Oral Cancer Treatment Options

If oral cancer or a precancerous condition is detected during the screening, treatment options will be discussed with you. Depending on the stage and type of cancer, treatment may involve:

• Surgery: Removing the tumor or affected tissue.
• Radiation therapy: Using high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.
• Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific cancer cells to limit damage to healthy cells.
• Immunotherapy: A treatment that helps the body’s immune system fight cancer.

Your dentist will likely refer you to an oncologist or oral surgeon for further evaluation and to discuss the best treatment plan for your specific case.