Oral Cancer Screening

Dentist Eden Prairie

Over 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed every year according to the results of a survey conducted by the American Cancer society. Each year, 7000 deaths occur due to oral cancer. It is important to take precautionary measures and diagnose the disease as soon as possible so that the patient has a higher chance of survival. Oral cancer can be treated effectively in its early stages and can be diagnosed with an annual oral cancer exam.

It is important to get tested and screen for oral cancer at least once per year as it starts with no apparent symptoms and can be hard to diagnose.

Oral cancers occur in a number of different places within the oral cavity and maxillofacial region which include:

There are many different places in the oral cavity and maxillofacial region in which oral cancers commonly occur, including:

  • Lips
  • Mouth
  • Tongue
  • Face
  • Salivary Glands
  • Oropharyngeal Region (throat)
  • Gums

According to research conducted by the American Cancer society, more than 30,000 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 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.

There are many different places in the oral cavity and maxillofacial region in which oral cancers commonly occur, including:

  • Lips
  • Mouth
  • Tongue
  • Face
  • Salivary Glands
  • Oropharyngeal Region (throat)
  • Gums

Reasons for Oral Cancer Examinations

Smoking, consuming tobacco and excessive alcohol some of the most common causes of oral cancer with almost 75 percent of cases being linked to the utilization of these commodities. Prevention is necessary and those who consume any of these products are recommended to get themselves checked at least once a year.

The treatment of oral cancer is most effective in its early stages which is why it is crucial for the patient to be diagnosed at the earliest. Common signs include abnormalities, such as lumps, tongue, gums, mouth or surrounding area. These are checked during a dental exam but if they are noticed by the patient then they are advised to get them checked by a health professional at the earliest possibility. The maxillofacial and oral regions are examined diligently by the dentists during an oral exam.

The following signs will be investigated during a routine oral cancer exam:

Red Patches and Sores:

If a patient has red patches in their mouth then that is a distinctive sign of oral cancer. These patches can be on the floor of the mouth or the front and sides of the tongue. White or pink patches which do not heal or heal extremely slowly while also bleeding are also characteristics of oral cancer.

Leukoplakia:

Leukoplakia is a slightly raised lesion that can form anywhere within the mouth. Usually white or gray in color, Leukoplakia can be cancerous or become cancerous with the passage of time if not treated immediately.

Lumps:

Lumps are harder to diagnose as a cause of cancer because they can be caused due to other reasons. However, any soreness, uncommon bumps, lumps or thickening of tissue anywhere in the mouth or even through can be a sign of pathological problems and should be looked at immediately.

Oral cancer exams do not involve any kind of pain and barely cause any discomfort to the patient. The dentist will look for any abnormalities and feel the face, glands and neck for unusual bumps. The bi-annual checkups are usually more thorough and involve the dentist and hygienist to thoroughly look for any changes or lesions in the mouth. Bi-annual checkups are recommended but one oral cancer screen per year is necessary.

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