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What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
This is a screening test for oral cancer, where we closely examine the inside of your mouth for any changes to oral tissues. During the screening, we look at the insides of your cheeks, the roof and floor of your mouth, and your gums, lips, and tongue.
We also gently check around your jawline to detect any lumps or signs of irregularities.
Why Is an Oral Cancer Screening Important?
Having a regular screening test for oral cancer is extremely important, as oral cancer can affect the head and neck and is frequently diagnosed late in the day. A late diagnosis can affect the long-term survival rate and mean that the treatment provided is more invasive.
It isn’t difficult to diagnose oral cancer, but the early signs are easy to miss. Your dentist is likely the only person who regularly examines the inside of your mouth.
Dentists are specially trained to detect signs of changes in your oral tissues. When we can detect any changes early, treatment may be more successful and less invasive.
Who Should Have an Oral Cancer Screening?
We recommend that adults have regular oral cancer screenings starting from age 18. When you first visit us, we can review your current oral and medical health and will advise you on how often you should have this test.
This test is often provided annually or more frequently as part of your regular dental examination.
Some risk factors can influence how frequently we recommend this test, which include:
- Smoking and using tobacco products.
- Consuming alcohol to excess.
- A family history of oral cancer.
- Exposure to the human papillomavirus.
- Exposure to excessive amounts of sun, especially during childhood, can increase the risk of lip cancers.
What to Expect during Your Oral Cancer Screening
Before we begin, we will ask if you have noticed any changes to your oral health. These may include persistent ulcers or mouth sores that haven’t healed within one to two weeks. We will ask if you have noticed any difficulties with chewing and swallowing food, or if you are aware of any lumps or rough patches in your mouth.
We may use a variety of different techniques and technologies during your screening and which include a visual exam, oral screening lights, and gentle palpitation. If we notice any changes, we may take digital photos of any abnormalities to monitor them or send them to specialists for further analysis.
Your oral cancer screening will likely take only a few minutes to complete.
Visual Exam
A visual examination is regarded as the gold standard for detecting signs of oral cancer. We will thoroughly examine the inside of your mouth, checking for signs of any abnormalities, such as color changes to your tissues, rough patches, sores, or lumps and bumps.
Oral Cancer Screening Light
If we use an oral cancer screening light, we will ask you to rinse your mouth with a special mouthwash that contains a fluorescent dye. Next, we shine a light inside your mouth. The mouthwash will make any tissue changes look white, while normal tissues look dark.
Palpitation
Our dentist will gently feel around your jawline and neck for any lumps and bumps. During this part of the test, please let us know if any area feels tender or painful.
What Happens If Any Changes Are Detected?
If we notice any changes to your oral tissues, then we will discuss these with you afterward. We may wish to take a small sample of cells to send to a specialist for further analysis.
The cell sample can be collected using a small brush or wooden stick, allowing it to be examined under a microscope by a pathologist.
We may also suggest taking a biopsy, where a small portion of tissue is removed for examination by a pathologist. The tissue sample may be removed using a dental laser, which is a more comfortable alternative to using a dental scalpel.
If we refer you to a specialist, it may take a few days to receive the results of any biopsy. However, it’s essential to emphasize that many lesions are not cancerous; if there are any cell changes, detecting them at an early stage means they are likely to be far more treatable.
Checking for Oral Cancer at Home
Although you can perform a screening at home, this is no substitute for a professional mouth cancer examination.
However, it is a good idea to become more aware of any changes to your oral health between regular dental checkups. Understanding how healthy tissue should look and feel can help you become more aware of any changes that may occur.
Below are a few general guidelines to follow if you wish to examine your mouth regularly at home.
- Use a mirror in a well-lit area and gently pull your lips away from your teeth to look for any signs of lumps and bumps or discoloration. Perform the same exam for your cheeks, checking for any signs of white or red patches or tender areas.
- Touch the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth to check underneath, before gently pulling it out to check for any discoloration or swelling.
- Tip your head backward so you can check your upper palate for any signs of ulcers or discolouration.
- Use your fingers to feel along your jaw line and down the sides of your neck for any lumps, bumps, or swellings.
Contact Us If You Are Ever Concerned
If you notice any changes to your oral health between dental exams, such as sore spots or ulcers, or any changes inside your mouth, please get in touch with us.
Our friendly dental team can offer advice over the phone and schedule a dental exam with our dentist. Any issue is likely due to something benign, but we would much rather see you and set your mind at ease or be able to provide treatment earlier. Early detection of oral cancer is so important, and we never want to take any chances with your oral health.
To learn more about oral cancer screening and early detection, contact our office at (212) 518-6096 or visit our Midtown East dental clinic.
NYC Dentistry Center6 E 45th St #801
New York, NY 10017
(45th St. btw 5th Ave / Madison Ave)
(212) 518-6096