Oral Cancer Screening: We Can Help in Diagnosing Oral Cancer

Oral cancer screening is a general dentistry practice that is performed for an examination of mouth cancers. It is a precautionary measure taken to identify possible suspicion of cancer. If detected in the early stages, there are greater chances of a cure. 

Over the years, cases for oral cancer have increased tremendously because certain lifestyle changes increase the risk of oral cancer. Oral cancer screening can be done at regular dental appointments; the examination merely takes a few minutes. 

Visual Exam for Oral Cancer Screening

The dentist examines the mouth visually to look for any changes, swellings, lumps, bumps, changes in skin color, ulcers, or other abnormalities to rule out the presence of cancer. In a visual oral cancer screening, patients are advised to remove dentures so the doctors can perform the visual exam. Normally dentists use a mirror, light, and a tongue depressor for oral cancer screening. During an oral cancer screening, if the doctor suspects anything unusual, a referral to the oral surgeon will be given for additional testing.

The areas observed during an oral cancer screening are:

• Detailed visual exam of gums
• The tongue, the surface beneath and above the tongue, the backside of the tongue
• The roof of the mouth
• The lips from inside and outside to look for sores
• The back of the throat
• To look into the throat and voice box, laryngoscopy is performed

Physical Exam for Oral Cancer Screening

The dentist touches the face, mouth, and neck region to identify the swollen nodules. Apart from nodules, masses are also identified during oral cancer screening. The identification of hard lumps is an alarming sign which requires further examination. 

An oral cancer screening is necessary because by the time symptoms start to show, the cancer could already be spreading. This could eventually limit treatment options. In the initial stages, usually, the oral cancer is painless, thus frequent oral cancer exams are required to prevent the spread of the disease.