Even though oral cancer is a serious condition, early detection usually results in a more successful treatment. Did you know? Oral cancer is twice as common in men as in women and affects 650,000 people per year! Isn’t that scary?

Regular oral cancer check-ups are rather important. Whether your first screening is approaching or you want additional information, this article outlines what to expect. Knowing the process will help you feel more confident and informed throughout your appointment.

Understanding Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer affects the tissues in the mouth, lips, gums, tongue, throat, and so on. Though anybody may have it, certain people are more susceptible than others. Such as those who smoke, use too much alcohol, or have a family history of cancer.

Screenings are crucial because they help to identify oral cancer early on, usually before symptoms increase. Early identification helps to provide better treatment results as well as, in some cases, even save a life.

Preparing for Your Appointment

The first thing is disclosing your medical history. Share with your dentist any previous medical information, including current medications, past diagnoses, or family cancer history. Your dentist should be aware of medical conditions and lifestyle choices that can increase your risk of mouth cancer.

Secondly, it is important to ask your dentist questions and share your concerns. List any worries you might have about your oral health and any unusual symptoms you have seen, including sores or unhealed spots. By bringing up your concerns during the appointment, your dentist may be able to address them further.

What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?

An oral cancer screening is rapid, simple, and painless. An overview of the approach is provided below.

Initial Consultation

Your dental health background is likely to be discussed briefly before the screening begins. Your dentist might ask about any symptoms you might have experienced, like changes in your mouth, frequent sore throats, or difficulties swallowing. This conversation helps them to focus the screening on areas that may need more attention.

Oral Cancer Examination

The main component of the screening is a visual and physical examination of your mouth, neck, and throat.

Visual Examination

At this point, your dentist will look for any anomalies inside your mouth. This covers everything odd on your lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, or throat—including lumps, sores, red or white areas. They can also ask you to remove any dentures to view the tissues underneath.

Physical Examination

Your dentist will next gently feel the tissues within your mouth as well as those around your neck and jawline. This method, called palpation, helps them to search for potentially invisible tumors or swelling. The dentist will also check for lymph node enlargement, which might indicate an infection or inflammation.

Palpation of Lymph Nodes

Your lymph nodes are mostly responsible for the body’s immune system; hence, swollen or painful lymph nodes can sometimes be a sign of underlying medical conditions like cancer. Your dentist will gently push these areas to detect any odd hardness or swelling.

Examination of Oral Tissues

We also evaluate any changes in the color, texture, or size of the soft tissues within your mouth—that is, your tongue, gum, roof and floor of your mouth. Even if you have not personally seen anything, your dentist’s expert eye can detect minute differences that might suggest a concern.

Diagnostic Instruments and Methodologies

Sometimes your dentist uses additional tools to get a closer look like VELscope.

Use of Special Instruments

In some cases, one might use a tool like the VELscope. This tool helps them to find any aberrant tissues by projecting a blue light into your mouth. It’s a quick and non-invasive way to find any problems the unaided eye might not be able to see.

Biopsy and Further Testing

Should the screening turn up anything dubious, your dentist could advise a biopsy. A tiny sample of tissue is taken from the afflicted area during a biopsy and transported to a lab for examination. Although this is usually only done in cases with a strong cancer risk, bear in mind that a biopsy is merely a means of confirmation and does not prove cancer is present.

Post-Screening: What to Expect

Following your screening, you should expect these things.

Receiving Results

If your screening tests come back negative, you will most likely be given the all-clear and won’t need any follow-up until your next scheduled visit.

Should something be found, your dentist will next discuss how and when you would get the results. Depending on the complexity of the situation, results from a biopsy usually take one or two weeks.

Follow-Up Care

Should an abnormality arise during your screening, your dentist may advise more frequent visits or further tests. Sometimes they might advise you to consult an oncologist for more assessments.

Keep an eye on your oral health, even if everything seems to be in line. Keep up regular dental visits and good oral hygiene. Tell your dentist straight away if you notice any changes in your mouth, including unusual tumors or non-healing ulcers.

Conclusion

Screening for oral cancer is a simple and painless process that protects your health. The early detection of oral cancer and the most effective time for treatment depend on them.

If you haven’t gotten any dental screening done recently, then this is the best time for you to schedule one. By being conscious about your oral health and taking care of it, you will be able to prevent such diseases. This ensures a healthy lifestyle. You have to be consistent in your screenings, practice good oral hygiene, and be aware of any changes in your mouth if you want to stay generally healthy.

Call Pro Dental in Blaine, MN, today to schedule your oral cancer screening. Discover all the options for creating your ideal smile by calling 763-265-8388.