Oral Cancer Exam
According to research conducted by the American Cancer Society, more than 50,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. More than 7,000 of these cases result in the death of the patient. The good news is that oral cancer can sometimes be diagnosed with an annual oral cancer exam, and effectively treated when caught in its earliest stages. You cannot always see signs of oral cancer, as these signs like to hide like all other cancers, but If you never look you never see the signs, so we look for signs at all 6 month check-ups.
Oral cancer is a pathologic process which begins with an asymptomatic stage during which the usual cancer signs may not be easily noticeable. This makes the oral cancer examinations performed by the dentist critically important. Oral cancers can be of various types, the most common type of oral cancer is the 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:
Reasons for oral cancer examinations
It is important to note that around 75 percent of oral cancers are linked with modifiable behaviors such as smoking, tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption.
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 changes.
The following signs will be investigated during a routine oral cancer exam:
-
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.
Oral cancer exams, diagnosis and treatment
The oral cancer examination is a completely painless process. During the visual part of the examination, the dentist will look for abnormality and feel the face, glands and neck for unusual bumps. You cannot always see signs of oral cancer, as these signs like to hide like all other cancers
If abnormalities, lesions, leukoplakia or lumps are apparent, the dentist will usually re-check the area in 2-4 weeks, and if still suspicious, ill refer you to an Oral surgeon for diagnosis and/or biopsy. The biopsy includes a clinical evaluation which will identify the precise stage and grade and severity of the oral lesion.
During bi-annual check-ups, the dentist and hygienist will thoroughly look for changes and lesions in the mouth, but a dedicated comprehensive oral cancer screening should be performed at least once each year.
If you have any questions or concerns about oral cancer, please contact our practice.
Back