Dentists use an oral cancer screening to check for any signs of oral cancer in the mouth. Oral health can impact more than just the mouth, particularly when it comes to oral cancer. Although the word cancer can be alarming, an oral cancer screening is a routine assessment that is conducted by a dentist or dental assistant as part of general precautionary care.
Dentists are not only concerned about the health of teeth but also consider the relationship between oral health and overall health. Do you want to learn more about oral cancer? For more information about oral cancer screenings, our team at Smile Solutions in Pittsburg is here to help. Call us at 620-317-0286Â to learn more.
Signs That Could Indicate A Need For a Screening Test
Many people who receive care from a dentist receive oral cancer screenings even though they do not have any signs of a specific need for the test. Oral cancer screenings, similar to screenings for tooth decay or gum disease, are typically a component of a routine dental check-up.
Some people may have specific signs that might indicate a need for an oral cancer screening, including:
- A change in the mouth tissue, such as a thickening or rough spot
- An ulcer, or eroded area of the mouth
- Discolorations, such as new red or white patches in the mouth
- Hoarseness, sore throat, or a feeling of something stuck in one’s throat
- New problems such as difficulty with speaking, moving one’s tongue or jaw, closing one’s teeth together, chewing, or swallowing
- Pain or numbness in the lips or other mouth structures
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Weight loss
If a patient experiences one of the above symptoms, particularly if it is changing quickly or causing pain, an oral cancer screening can help put their mind at ease.
- This is because oral cancer screenings, similar to screenings for tooth decay or gum disease, are typically a component of a routine dental check-up.
What To Expect During The Test
Oral cancer screenings are typically integrated into a routine dental check-up, so a patient may not even notice when a dentist is performing a screening exam. During the typical oral cancer test, the dentist will examine the entire oral cavity, including the lining of the cheeks, the gums, the tongue, the hard palate, the back of the throat, and the lips. The patient may feel the dentist moving their gloved fingers along these structures to palpate the tissue, but the exam should not cause any pain or discomfort. The dentist will also look globally at the structures of the face and neck, checking for symmetry.
To do a more in-depth screening, some dentists may use a special blue light to assess particular areas. If a spot of interest is detected during oral cancer screening, the dentist may perform a biopsy or refer the patient to another provider for this procedure.
- The patient may feel the dentist moving his or her gloved fingers along these structures to palpate the tissue, but the exam should not cause any pain or discomfort.
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.
- 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.
When Would A Dentist Advise A Test?
An oral cancer screening is simple enough to be performed during every check-up, and the American Dental Association recommends a thorough evaluation of the oral cavity during a regular exam.
For most patients, a dentist will advise a routine dental visit every six months, so some form of oral cancer test may be administered twice yearly. Some dentists may conduct a more formalized oral screening at a different interval. For patients who have a history of oral cancer or who have significant oral cancer risk factors, a dentist may conduct more frequent oral screenings.
- For most patients, a dentist will advise a routine dental visit every six months, so some form of cancer screening may be administered twice yearly.
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.
- Depending on the patient’s situation, the dentist may perform special tests in addition to the basic screening.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Dental Terminology
A biopsy is a medical test that a medical professional uses to extract a sample of tissue to determine the exact cause of a disease.
A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection, and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus, and stains from the teeth.
Dysphagia is the difficulty or discomfort that one can experience when swallowing due to this disease.
Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth, and poor oral hygiene.
The term oral cavity is another name for the mouth, including the lips, cheeks, gums, teeth, the front of the tongue, and the roof of the mouth.
The oral mucosa is the mucous membrane that lines the inside of the mouth, consisting of oral epithelium and lamina propria.
Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a common form of oral cancer that occurs within the mouth, which can also result from excessive smoking and alcohol use.
Precancerous lesions are morphologically altered tissue that has a high probability of causing oral cancer to occur in those specific spots.
Tartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment.
Learn More Today
Regular oral cancer screenings may help stop the disease before it has the chance to spread. At Smile Solutions, we can help figure out the best preventative care plan for you. Call us to schedule an appointment today.