Oral Cancer Screenings

What is Oral Cancer Screening?

Oral cancer screenings are examinations that allow healthcare providers to look for signs of cancer. During the screening, they’ll inspect the lining of your cheeks, gums, lips, tongue, and floor and roof of your mouth. They’ll look for lesions and other abnormalities. If your healthcare provider finds something questionable, they’ll refer you to an oncologist for further testing.

Why are oral cancer screenings so important?

Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers of the head and neck. It’s prevalent throughout the world and affects people of all demographics.

In the US alone, almost 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with an oral or oropharyngeal cancer each year.

Oral cancer has a five-year survival rate of 57%. This means that just a little over half of the people who are diagnosed with oral cancer will be alive five years after diagnosis.

Early Detection

Early detection and treatment are important when it comes to oral cancer. The earlier cancer is found, the more treatment options are available to people, and the better the chances of recovery. Oral cancer isn’t particularly hard to diagnose. Fatality rates are high because oral cancer is too often detected late in the cancer’s development. Oral cancer screenings are the best tool available to combat late detection.

What Puts Someone at Risk?

Tobacco and alcohol use. Tobacco use of any kind, including cigarette smoking, puts you at risk. Heavy alcohol use also increases your chances of developing the disease. Using tobacco plus alcohol poses a much greater risk than using either substance alone.

HPV. Oral cancer is the most common cancer linked to human papillomavirus (HPV). Ask your health care provider about the HPV vaccine for cancer prevention.

Age. Risk increases with age. Oral cancer most often occurs in people over the age of 40.

Sun exposure. Cancer of the lip can be caused by sun exposure.

Can I screen for oral cancer at home?

Some healthcare providers recommend that people screen themselves at home for oral cancer once a month. However, a self oral cancer screening isn’t a substitute for a thorough screening during your provider’s bi-annual office visits.

Check your face and neck

Inspect your face for any recent swelling, lumps, rashes, or moles. Feel along your jawline and down the sides of your neck for any masses or swelling.

Check your lips and cheeks

Pull your lips away from your teeth and inspect them for any discoloration.
Feel along the inside of your cheeks for lumps or tenderness.
Inspect your tongue and the floor of your mouth
Pull your tongue out and examine the top, bottom, and sides for any color changes, swellings, or sores.

Check the floor of your mouth for any abnormalities.

Check the roof of your mouth

Tilt your head back and inspect the roof of your mouth for bumps, growths, or discoloration.

When to see your dentist: If you have any sore that doesn’t heal, or any of the other symptoms listed above, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you catch it, the better the chance of successful treatment

Oral cancer is a common cancer that affects the head and neck. With shockingly high fatality rates, early detection is essential for making a timely diagnosis and starting treatment. Routine screenings are the best way to find oral cancer in its early stages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an oral cancer screening hurt?

No. Screenings are quick, painless visual exams.

How often should I get screened?

Every 6 months during your routine dental exam.

Can non-smokers get oral cancer?

Yes. HPV-related oral cancers are rising in non-smokers.

What are early symptoms to watch for?

Persistent sores, lumps, numbness, or color changes in the mouth.

Is biopsy always needed?

Only if the dentist detects a suspicious lesion.

Get in Touch with Us

If you’re looking for quality cosmetic dental care in Lowell or surrounding communities such as Dracut, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Billerica, Tyngsborough, or Methuen, contact Smiley Dental Lowell today at 978-999-9000. Our team is here to help you achieve a smile you’ll love.