Oral Cancer Screening

Oral Cancer: Understanding the Risks and the Importance of Early Detection

Oral cancer, a serious and potentially life-threatening disease, can affect any part of the mouth and throat. While it can occur on the lips, tongue, gums, floor of the mouth, cheeks, or hard palate, it is most frequently found on the tongue, tonsils, and oropharynx (the back of the throat).

While oral cancer can affect anyone, statistics show a higher prevalence among certain populations. Men are at a significantly higher risk than women, and the risk increases with age, particularly for men over 50. Key risk factors include:

• Tobacco and Alcohol Use: Heavy and prolonged use of cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, or alcohol greatly increases the risk.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV): The recent rise in oropharyngeal cancers, particularly in younger individuals, is largely attributed to the increased transmission of certain high-risk strains of HPV, a sexually transmitted infection.
• Sun Exposure: Prolonged UV exposure to the lips from the sun or sunlamps can increase the risk of lip cancer.
• Other Factors: GERD (gastro-intestinal reflux disease), prior head and neck radiation, a poor diet, and exposure to certain chemicals are also considered risk factors.

The Role of Your Dentist in Oral Cancer Screening

One of the most valuable services we provide during your routine dental checkup is a comprehensive oral cancer screening. This quick and painless process is crucial for early detection, which is key to improving outcomes and increasing the chances of successful treatment.

Our screening process involves a thorough examination of both your oral cavity and the surrounding areas:

• Patient History: We begin by reviewing your medical and dental history, discussing any changes to your health or any new symptoms you may have noticed.
• Visual and Physical Examination: Our dentist will carefully inspect your lips, tongue, gums, and all the tissues inside your mouth for any abnormalities. We will look for common signs such as:
  • Red or white patches (leukoplakia or erythroplakia)
  • Sores or ulcers that do not heal within two weeks
  • Lumps, bumps, or thickenings
  • Numbness, pain, or tenderness
• Head and Neck Palpation: Using gloved hands, we will gently feel the tissues of your neck, jaw, and throat to check for any lumps, swelling, or other irregularities that might indicate a problem.

Why Early Detection Matters

Early detection is the single most important factor in the successful treatment of oral cancer. When discovered in its initial stages, the cure rate is significantly higher, and the treatment is often less invasive. By incorporating oral cancer screening into your regular dental visits, we can monitor your oral health and identify any suspicious changes before they become a major concern.

If we find any areas of concern during your screening, we will discuss our findings with you and may recommend further diagnostic steps, such as a biopsy, to determine the nature of the issue.

Don't wait until you notice a problem. Regular dental checkups and oral cancer screenings are vital for maintaining not only a healthy smile but also your overall health.