ORAL CANCER SCREENING
Early Detection Of mouth Cancer Or Precancerous Lesions
Oral cancer screening is an examination to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. When identified early, oral cancer can be more easily and completely treated.
You may not have ever realized it, but while examining your mouth during a routine dental visit, your dentist may easily screen for oral cancer. If deemed necessary, the dentist may use some additional tests for identifying areas of abnormal cells in your mouth.
Is An Oral Cancer Screening Necessary?
The number of people diagnosed with mouth and throat cancers has been rising over the last several years, though the reason is undetermined. However, an increasing number of these cancers are associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV). If you’re concerned about your cancer risk, talk to your dentist about how you can reduce your risk and which screening tests might be appropriate for you.
The goal of oral cancer screening is to detect mouth cancer or precancerous lesions that may lead to mouth cancer at an early stage — when cancer or lesions are easiest to remove and most likely to be cured. People with a high risk of oral cancer may be more likely to benefit from oral cancer screening.
What You Can Expect During Your Oral Cancer Screening
During an oral cancer screening, your dentist looks at the inside of your mouth to check for red or white patches or mouth sores. The dentist will also feel the tissues in your mouth to check for lumps or other abnormalities. The dentist may also examine your throat and neck for lumps.
If your dentist discovers any signs of mouth cancer or precancerous lesions, they may recommend a follow-up visit in a few weeks to recheck the abnormal area, or a biopsy to remove a sample of cells for laboratory testing to determine whether cancer cells are present.
