What is an Oral Cancer Screening?

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According to research conducted by the American Cancer Society, more that 30,000 cased of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. More that 7,000 of these cases result in the death of the patient. The good news is that oral cancer can easily be diagnosed with an annual oral cancer exam, and effectively treated when caught in its earliest stages. Oral cancer is a pathologic process which begins with an asymptomatic stage during which the usual cancer signs may not be readily noticeable. This makes the oral cancer examinations performed by the dentist critically important. Oral cancers can be of varied histologic types such as teratoma, adenocarcinoma, and melanoma. The most common type of oral cancer is malignant squamous cell carcinoma. This oral cancer type usually originates in lip and mouth tissues. There are many different places in the oral cavity and maxillofacial region in which oral cancers commonly occur, including:

 

• Lips

• Mouth

• Tongue

• Salivary Glands

• Oropharyngeal Region (throat)

• Gums

• Face

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It is important to note that around 75 percent of oral cancers are linked with modifiable behaviors such as smoking, vaping, smokeless tobacco use, and the consumption of alcohol. When oral cancer is diagnosed in its earliest stages, treatment is generally very effective. Any noticeable abnormalities in the tongue, gums, mouth, or surrounding area should be evaluated by a health professional as quickly as possible. During the oral cancer exam, the dentist and dental hygienist will be scrutinizing the maxillofacial and oral regions carefully for signs of pathologic changes.

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• Red patches and sores – Red patches on the floor of the mouth, the front, and sides of the tongue, white or pink patches which fail to heal and slow healing sores that bleed easily can be indicative of pathologic (cancerous) changes.
   

• Leukoplakia – This is a hardened white or gray, slightly raised lesion that can appear anywhere inside the mouth. Leukoplakia can be cancerous, or may become cancerous if treatment is not sought.
   

• Lumps – Soreness, lumps, or the general thickening of tissue anywhere in the throat or mouth can signal pathological problems.