Groups at High Risk for Oral Cancer

Certain groups may benefit from regular oral cancer screenings more than others. Common risk factors include but are not limited to:

A history of oral cancer
Certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV)
Regular consumption of a lot of alcohol
Excessive amounts of time spent in the sun
Tobacco use, in any form

Patients may find it beneficial to consult a professional about their medical history to better determine their risk for oral cancer.

Limitations of Oral Cancer Screenings

Although regular oral cancer screenings are integral to maintaining good health, Mayo Clinic points out that it may be difficult to detect abnormal cells through a simple visual exam. Thus, there is always a possibility that a small sign of cancer or precancerous lesion could go undetected.

A group of unusual cells does not always mean that the patient has cancer. Rather, the patient will have to undergo a biopsy to get a definitive answer. If it is cancerous, then early detection will afford the patient more treatment options.

While the evidence does not yet link screenings with reduced oral cancer deaths, regular screenings may help identify cancers early at a time when remission is more likely.

What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screening requires no special preparation, and patients can typically expect screening to take place during a routine dental appointment. In most cases, a basic oral cancer screening will consist of the dentist taking a thorough look at all the parts of the patient's mouth, including:

The back of the throat
The gums
The insides of the cheeks
The outside and the inside of the lips
The roof of the mouth
The tongue

Patients with dentures must remove the devices to allow Quality Family Dentistry to check the tissue underneath, along with the area underneath the jaw.

All in all, the screening should take less than five minutes.

Additional Tests After Oral Cancer Screenings

Depending on the patient's situation, the dentist may perform special tests in addition to the basic screening. More in-depth oral cancer screenings can involve the patient rinsing their mouth with blue dye to make any unusual cells more visible. Additionally, the dentist may choose to shine a light in the patient's mouth during the exam. This light will "highlight" abnormal tissue by making it appear white.

If any of these tests find signs of oral cancer or any possibly cancerous lesions, then the patient should undergo a biopsy. This procedure consists of removing a sample of cells for laboratory testing. The patient may also need to make a follow-up appointment to see if the abnormal area has grown or changed since detection.