Concerned about oral cancer? Read on to learn about oral cancer screenings as part of your regular dental checkup. During a regular dental visit, a general dentist will typically screen patients for signs of oral cancer. Alternatively, you may be informed that you have oral cancer risk factors and should visit a dentist about them. Patients often want to know about oral cancer screening and what happens if the dentist is concerned following the screening.
Cancer tests should be done before symptoms appear, according to the National Cancer Institute. Oral cancer screening is a preventative procedure that may be performed at every dental checkup appointment.
A complete test for oral cancer takes less than two minutes. Oral cancer is defined as any malignancy of the oral cavity. During the screening, their dentist will examine the oral cavity and associated tissues, including the throat, sinuses, larynx, and pharynx. If there are no obvious concerns, an oral cancer screening may provide reassurance or prompt early treatment if there are. The screening process involves two stages:
The dentist will remove any detachable dental device such as dentures or other dental appliances before the screening to inspect the whole mouth. The dentist will check for anomalies like asymmetries, swellings, lumps, color patches, and ulcerations. They will examine the patient’s face, lips, neck, jaw, cheeks, inside of the nose, and oral cavity, which are all important aspects of an oral cancer screening.
Aside from a visual examination, the dentist will feel the patient’s face, mouth, and neck for any odd nodules or lumps. Oral cancer symptoms may be unpleasant at times, although it is generally painless in the early stages. This is all the more reason for dentists to check for it regularly.
Oral cancer screenings are preventative rather than diagnostic. If the dentist discovers nothing out of the ordinary throughout the examination, then great. This only means patients should return to the dental office for further screening at regular intervals. Maintaining dental hygiene visits is critical, particularly for those at risk of oral cancer. Some of the risk factors include tobacco consumption, alcohol consumption, a positive HPV test, exposure to the sun, being above 55 years old, and gender (it affects more males than females).
If the dentist discovers an oral cancer-like symptom, they may recommend further testing to determine what that symptom implies. Note that further investigation or screening does not necessarily imply a cancer diagnosis. If cancer is discovered, early detection lowers treatment-related health issues in the future and increases the chances of successful treatment. As a result, prevention and early diagnosis are crucial.
Oral cancer screening entails more than just a physical examination. It is a chance for you to discuss your worries and concerns regarding oral cancer with your dentist. You can ask the dentist for guidance on making lifestyle adjustments. It is natural to be concerned about the possibility of oral cancer, but engaging in this screening regularly can help set your mind at rest.
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