Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screening is a vital preventive measure that can detect signs of cancer in the early stages when treatment is most effective. Our dental practice includes thorough oral cancer screenings as part of our comprehensive dental exams, providing peace of mind and potentially life-saving early detection.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx (throat). It can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. According to the American Cancer Society, over 54,000 people in the United States will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year, with the disease claiming approximately 11,230 lives.
The good news is that when detected at its earliest stages, the 5-year survival rate for oral cancer patients is approximately 84%. However, this rate drops significantly to 39% for those diagnosed at advanced stages, highlighting the critical importance of regular screenings.
Our Screening Process
Our oral cancer screening process is quick, painless, and non-invasive. During your 6-month comprehensive dental examination, we will:
- Perform a visual inspection of all surfaces inside your mouth, including the lips, gums, cheeks, palate, tongue, floor of the mouth, and the back of the throat
- Check for abnormalities such as red or white patches, sores that don't heal, unusual lumps or thickening of tissues
- Palpate (feel) the jaw, neck, and lymph nodes for unusual lumps or masses
- Examine the throat and tongue mobility
The entire screening typically takes less than five minutes and is performed during your regular dental checkup, making it a convenient way to monitor your oral health.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain factors increase your risk:
- Tobacco use in any form (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco)
- Heavy alcohol consumption, particularly when combined with tobacco use
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly HPV-16
- Excessive sun exposure to the lips
- Age (most cases occur in people over 40)
- Poor diet lacking in fruits and vegetables
- Weakened immune system
- Previous history of oral cancer
Understanding your personal risk factors can help determine how frequently you should be screened. Patients with multiple risk factors may benefit from more frequent screenings.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Between dental visits, it's important to be aware of potential warning signs of oral cancer:
- Sores in the mouth that don't heal within two weeks
- Persistent pain or tenderness in the mouth or lips
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
- Lumps, thickening, rough spots, or eroded areas
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
- Numbness in the tongue or mouth
- Feeling that something is caught in your throat
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
- Ear pain with no loss of hearing
- Change in how your dentures fit
If you notice any of these symptoms, please contact our office promptly for an evaluation.
Frequency of Screenings
We recommend oral cancer screenings at least once a year for most patients, typically during one of your bi-annual dental checkups. However, patients with multiple risk factors may benefit from screenings every six months.
The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection dramatically improves the prognosis for oral cancer patients. When caught early, treatment is often less invasive and more successful. Regular screenings allow us to identify concerning changes before they develop into cancer or when the cancer is still small and localized.
Our goal is to protect not just your oral health but your overall health and wellbeing. Incorporating oral cancer screenings into your regular dental visits is a simple yet potentially life-saving decision.
Don't put off this important preventive measure. Contact our office today to schedule your comprehensive dental exam including an oral cancer screening.
