Top Reasons to Get Oral Cancer Screenings

Early detection of oral cancer can save lives. If caught before the cancer metastasizes, then the five-year survival rate is much higher. By asking your dentist for an oral cancer screening, you are taking charge of your health and ensuring swift treatment if cancer is detected.

High Incidence of Oral Cancers

According to the American Dental Association, oral cancers account for 2.9 percent of all cancers diagnosed. Each year, there are approximately 45,000 incidences of oral cancer diagnosed in the United States. From that figure, approximately 8,600 succumb to their cancers. For oral cancers that have not spread, the five-year survival rate is 83 percent. In comparison, patients who have oral cancers that have spread obtain a survival rate of 36 percent. The good news is that the progression of oral cancer is slow and can take up to eight years, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation.

Oral cancer may occur in several areas within the oral cavity. This includes your tongue, inside of your cheeks, gums, lips, and mouth.

Risk Assessments

You may be at a higher risk of developing oral cancer because of your gender, lifestyle choices or age. If you smoke or use alcohol on a regular basis, you’re at an increased risk of developing oral cancer. An unhealthy diet and prolonged sun exposure are also risk factors. Dentists should also screen men and individuals over the age of 40 since they have a higher risk assessment. Men and women diagnosed with HPV have been found to carry a heightened risk of developing oral cancer in their lifetimes. The Oral Cancer Foundation states that genetic factors may also affect a person’s likelihood of an oral cancer diagnosis. If anyone in your immediate family has oral cancer, speak to your dentist about early detection strategies. However, even if you are not in a high-risk category, your dentist may still want to perform a screening if you’re having any symptoms of the disease.

Ease of Cancer Screenings

Unlike screenings for other forms of cancer, oral cancer screenings are easy and painless. This is because a dentist can detect one of the earliest signs of oral cancer visually. During an exam, he or she will look for any lesions inside the mouth with a distinct appearance. The lesions could be red or white colored and have a thickened exterior. The lesion may also bleed easily and have crusting around the affected area. To visually examine your mouth, a dentist is likely only to use his or her fingers and a mouth mirror. You may be asked to change the position of your tongue to provide a better view of certain areas of the mouth. In the case your dentist finds lesions, a small biopsy can be taken to screen for cancerous cells. There are also staining tests that can be done. A blue dye or fluorescent staining test can be performed on the lesions. Cancerous lesions will often have a different appearance during the staining than lesions with normal cells.

Additional Symptoms

Oral cancer screenings are important because it gives you the chance to talk to your dentist about other symptoms that could indicate the presence of oral cancer. Lesions may not always be detected during a dental examination. Talk to your dentist about any other symptoms you have that requires further evaluation including misaligned bite, jaw pain, difficulty speaking, and numbness in your mouth.

Since most dentists recommend checkups every six months, early oral cancer detection is possible. If cancer is suspected after your screening, your dentist may recommend following up with a specialist for further evaluation.

Contact Us

Send Us an Email

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Lowry Dental

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed