Oral cancer is a serious condition affecting thousands worldwide each year. Early detection is key to successful treatment and recovery, making oral cancer screenings an essential part of preventive care. By identifying early signs, dental professionals play a crucial role in protecting patients’ health.
At Enhance Dental Centre, we prioritize prevention. Regular oral cancer screenings are a cornerstone of our comprehensive dental care. Whether you’re at high risk or simply focused on staying healthy, understanding screening guidelines empowers you to take charge of your oral health. Read on to discover how these screenings can benefit you.
What is an oral cancer screening?
An oral cancer screening is a quick and painless exam to check for signs of cancer in your mouth, jaw, and tongue. During the screening, the dentist examines key areas, including the cheek lining, gums, lips, tongue, tonsils, and the floor and roof of your mouth.
Oral cancer can also be detected through a Panoramic x-ray. Typically taken every 3-4 years. This x-ray may show early signs of bone cancer in the jaw.
Recommended Screening Guidelines for Oral Cancer
Regular oral cancer screenings are a vital part of dental care. These screenings should be customized to fit an individual’s age, risk factors, and overall health, ensuring maximum effectiveness.
Frequency of Professional Screenings
- Annual Screening for High-Risk Individuals
Adults over 40, especially those who use tobacco or alcohol, should schedule an oral cancer screening every year. Individuals with a history of cancer, HPV exposure, or prolonged sun exposure on their lips are also at higher risk. Regular screenings in these cases are essential for early detection and better outcomes.
- Biannual Dental Visits for All Adults
All adults should visit their dentist every six months for routine check-ups, which should include an oral cancer screening. These biannual visits allow dentists to monitor oral health, detect changes early, and address potential issues promptly, benefiting everyone regardless of risk level.
What are the signs and symptoms of oral cancer?
Monitoring changes in your oral health is key to spotting oral cancer early. While some symptoms may stem from less serious issues, persistent signs should never be ignored. If you notice any of the following lasting more than a few weeks, see a dentist:
- Red or white patches in your mouth
- Lumps in or around your mouth
- Difficulty moving your tongue or jaw
- Numbness in your mouth
- Trouble chewing or speaking
- Swelling in your jaw
- Sores or spots that don’t heal
If oral cancer spreads to the throat or surrounding areas, additional symptoms may include:
- Persistent sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck
- Pain or difficulty swallowing
- Ear pain
- A sensation of a lump in your throat
Why are oral cancer screenings important?
Oral cancer is a common cancer of the head and neck that impacts thousands worldwide. In the U.S. alone, approximately 54,000 people are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer each year.
The five-year survival rate is just 57%, meaning only slightly more than half of patients survive five years after diagnosis. Late detection significantly contributes to this statistic, as many cases are identified when the cancer is already advanced.
Oral cancer screenings are a vital tool for early detection, offering the best chance for effective treatment and improved survival rates.
Self Oral Cancer Screening at Home
A monthly self-examination is a proactive way to maintain oral health and detect potential issues early. While it’s not a replacement for professional screenings, self-checks can help identify changes that may require further attention from a dentist. Follow these steps for an effective oral self-exam:
- Look in the mirror and check your face for swelling, lumps, rashes, or moles.
- Feel along your jawline and neck for swelling or uneven areas.
- Pull your lips away from your teeth to check for discoloration or lumps.
- Stretch your cheeks gently to look for red or white patches.
- Feel the inside of your cheeks for sores or tenderness.
- Use your thumb and index finger to check your gums, including the tongue-facing side.
- Carefully extend your tongue to examine it for swelling or discoloration.
- Touch the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth and inspect the underside.
- Tilt your head back to examine the roof of your mouth for discoloration or sores.
- Lift your tongue to check the floor of your mouth for tenderness, sores, or swelling.
A lump in your neck can signal advanced oral cancer, so also check for any masses or swelling. If you notice anything unusual, contact your healthcare provider promptly for guidance.
Professional Screening for Oral Cancer
A professional oral cancer screening is a quick, painless procedure conducted by a dentist to detect early signs of cancer or other oral issues. Typically part of a routine dental check-up, it involves examining both visible and hidden areas of your mouth.
Visual Examination
The dentist begins by inspecting the visible parts of your mouth and throat for any abnormalities, including:
- Red or white patches, sores, or discoloration.
- Swelling, lumps, or unusual textures on the gums and tongue.
- Redness or swelling in the back of the throat.
Palpation of Neck and Jaw
To detect less visible issues, the dentist gently examines the neck, jawline, and under the chin. This helps identify:
- Swelling or tenderness in lymph nodes.
- Lumps or hard areas in the neck and jaw.
Advanced Screening Tools
If abnormalities are detected, the dentist may use specialized tools for a closer examination:
- Fluorescence Lights (VELscope): Highlight abnormal tissue that might not be visible to the naked eye.
- Panoramic X-rays or Cone Beam Scans: It’s important to take panoramic x-rays every 3-4 years as these x-rays allow for early detection of some bone cancers.
- Dyes or Stains: Reveal irregular cells through colour changes.
- Magnifying Devices: Enhance visibility for detailed inspections.
Risk Assessment and Recommendations
The screening concludes with a discussion about your oral health and potential risk factors, such as smoking, alcohol use, family cancer history, or HPV exposure. Based on the findings:
- You may be reassured that everything appears normal.
- Suspicious findings might lead to further tests, such as biopsies, imaging, or a specialist referral.
Conclusion
Oral cancer screenings are a crucial part of preventive healthcare, helping to detect early signs of cancer before they progress. By following guidelines, monitoring symptoms, and performing regular self-exams, you can take an active role in managing your oral health. Still, professional screenings remain the most reliable way to identify and assess risks.
At Enhance Dental Centre, your health is our top priority. Our team provides thorough oral cancer screenings as part of your regular dental care, using advanced techniques for early detection and your peace of mind. We have the latest dental technology to conduct screenings. Don’t wait—schedule your screening today and take a proactive step toward safeguarding your oral and overall health.
<p>The post Oral Cancer Screening: Guidelines and Early Detection Tips! first appeared on Enhance Dental CA.</p>