The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings

Cancer is a scary word. It conjures up images of chemotherapy, surgery, and long hospital stays. But did you know that there are many types of cancer that can be detected early, before any symptoms have arisen? Oral cancer is one of them. An oral cancer screening is a physical examination performed by a dentist or doctor that can detect early-stage cancer. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of oral cancer screenings and why everyone should get one!

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer (also known as mouth cancer or oral cavity cancer) is most often found in the tongue, the lips and the floor of the mouth. It also can begin in the gums, the minor salivary glands, the lining of the lips and cheeks, the roof of the mouth or the area behind the wisdom teeth.

The majority of oral cancers arise in the squamous cells, which line the mouth, tongue, gums and lips. These are called squamous cell carcinomas (cancers). Not all tumors or growths in the mouth are cancer, however. Some are benign (not cancer), while others are precancerous, meaning they may become cancer but are not currently cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of oral cancer can vary depending on where it is located in the mouth. Common signs include:

• Pain, tenderness, or numbness in mouth or lips
• Patch, spot, painful sore (ulceration), or a bump, growth in the mouth or throat that will not go away (2 weeks)
• Patches and spots that are red, white, or mixed color that sometimes can be painful
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, moving tongue, or jaw
• A persistent swelling of one side of the neck
• Changes in how teeth line up when your mouth closed
• Trouble opening mouth
• Excess saliva

An oral cancer screening is a physical examination for early-stage cancer before any symptoms have arisen. Unfortunately, most oral cancer is not detected until symptoms have significantly developed. At this point, the condition is much harder to treat and may have even begun to spread. The goal of oral cancer screenings is to discover any potentially harmful growths or lesions right at their onset. This is when treatment is simplest and most effective. An oral cancer screening can help ensure that you avoid a potential delay in diagnosis and receive prompt treatment.

What to Expect from a Screening

A thorough examination can be completed in less than five minutes. It will begin as soon as you start talking to your dentist. At this time, they will listen for any speech abnormalities such as a hoarse or raspy voice that could indicate an abnormality. Your dentist will then use a bright light to examine your oral cavity. This consists of your lips, tongue, cheeks, tonsils and back of your throat, inspecting for any lesions that are visible to the trained eye but can’t be felt.

Your dentist will then ask you to move your head in a variety of ways while gently pressing on different areas of your neck to detect any abnormalities in this region. You will also be asked to breathe in particular ways or make certain sounds while your dentist observes different components of your oral cavity. The purpose of this is to ensure that all parts being inspected are responding in the way they should be. Your dentist will also use either a mirror or a special fiber optic tool to observe areas that are not regularly visible.

Do I Need an Oral Cancer Screening?

Everyone should be screened for oral cancer at least once a year. However, there are certain risk factors that make more frequent screenings a good idea. Tobacco and heavy alcohol use are chief among these. Historically, 75 percent of oral cancer cases are related to these substances. However, HPV (Human Papillomavirus) has also been found to indicate a higher risk for oral cancer. Cases in men and women in their 20s and 30s are quickly replacing those of people who regularly consume tobacco and alcohol, as use of these substances has declined in recent decades. A previous oral cancer diagnosis is also an indication that you are at higher risk for redevelopment. You should speak to your dentist regarding your medical history and other significant factors to establish an appropriate screening schedule.

Make an Appointment with Glacier Creek Dental

Oral cancer screenings are an invaluable tool. They can help to detect and treat pre-cancerous lesions that may develop into malignant tumors if left untreated. A knowledgeable and experienced dentist is the best resource for maintaining your oral health. At Glacier Creek Dental, we offer comprehensive examinations and personalized treatment plans tailored to your individual needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!