Oral Cancer Screening
Early detection is key in the battle against cancer & this is no different with oral cancer. Even if you don’t smoke, keep in mind that 25% of oral cancer diagnoses are for non-smokers. It’s important that every patient receive a simple & pain-free oral cancer screening.
Oral cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms in the early stages, which is why it’s important to have a screening that can detect potential problems before they’re visible to the naked eye or cause sensations.
Signs & Symptoms
Oral cancer can appear throughout the mouth, including on your lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, the roof of your mouth & other soft tissue surfaces. It can also develop further back in your throat, which doctors call oropharyngeal cancer.
Red or white sores that don’t get better over time are the most common oral cancer symptom. These can be discoloured patches or hard lumps. They may be accompanied by feelings of pain, but they aren’t always painful. Because it can be difficult to distinguish cancerous sores from normal mouth sores, seeing your dentist for regular screenings is extremely important.
Other symptoms include throat soreness, bad breath & changes in the mouth, such as loose teeth or difficulty chewing & swallowing. If you experience any of these, you should come see us immediately. Though conditions other than cancer can cause these things, visiting us as early as possible is your best chance to improve your oral cancer prognosis.
Risk factors for oral cancer include:
- Tobacco use (smoking, chewing & dip)
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Poor diet
- HPV (human papilloma virus)
- Age (higher risk over 40 years old)
How Dentists Diagnose Oral Cancer
During your oral cancer screening, your dentist will visually examine your mouth & surrounding areas. Using lights, mirrors & other tools, they can check areas of your mouth that are otherwise too difficult to see. They are also trained to locate more subtle signs of cancer such as asymmetrical features inside & outside the mouth.
With modern technological advances, dentists also have a wide array of cancer-detecting tools. Specially designed lights can highlight potentially cancerous spots & cleaning rinses can improve the inspection process. This equipment is only used to enhance the visual & physical examinations; it’s never used as a replacement for tried & true detection methods!
When a dentist completes an oral cancer screening, they won’t immediately say whether you have oral cancer. They may wish to monitor the condition of your mouth & they may ask you to come back for further testing. Please understand that this does not necessarily mean that something is wrong. Discovering oral cancer can be complicated. The doctor might simply want to keep an eye on your oral condition to make sure that more serious symptoms don’t appear.
Remember that when caught early, oral cancer has an 80 to 90% survival rate. Oral cancer can seem like a scary thing, but we encourage you to come to us with any concerns as soon as possible. Early detection & lifestyle changes will help ensure the best possible outcome. So be sure to ask the dentist or the hygienist for your annual screening!
Frequently asked questions and answers
What is an oral cancer screening?
An oral cancer screening is a dental examination that helps identify unusual changes in the mouth, lips, tongue, gums, and surrounding tissues that could indicate oral cancer or precancerous conditions. During the screening, a dentist examines the tissues of your mouth and may check your jaw and neck for unusual lumps or swelling. Early detection can help patients receive further assessment and treatment when needed.
What are the early signs and symptoms of oral cancer?
Early signs of oral cancer may include a sore in the mouth that does not heal, persistent red or white patches, unexplained bleeding, unusual lumps, or changes in the texture of the mouth tissues. Other symptoms may include persistent mouth pain, numbness in the tongue or lips, difficulty swallowing, or a lump in the neck. These symptoms can have other causes, but any unusual changes should be evaluated by a dental or medical professional.
Is oral cancer screening painful?
No. A routine oral cancer screening is generally painless and non-invasive. Your dentist visually examines the tissues inside your mouth and may gently feel your cheeks, tongue, jaw, and neck for unusual changes. If an abnormal area is found, additional testing may be recommended to determine its cause.
How often should I get an oral cancer screening?
Oral cancer screening can be included in your routine dental examinations. How often you need an assessment depends on your oral health, symptoms, and risk factors. Ask your dentist how frequently screening is appropriate for you. If you notice a suspicious lump, persistent sore, or other unusual change, do not wait for your next scheduled checkup.
Who should get an oral cancer screening?
Adults should discuss oral cancer screening with their dentist as part of routine dental care. Screening is particularly important for people with risk factors such as tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, or certain HPV infections. However, oral cancer can also occur in people without these risk factors. Your dentist can help determine the appropriate examination based on your individual circumstances.
Can you get oral cancer if you don't smoke?
Yes. Although tobacco use increases the risk of oral cancer, people who have never smoked can also develop the disease. Other risk factors include heavy alcohol consumption, certain HPV infections, and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight, particularly for lip cancer. Regular dental examinations and prompt assessment of unusual mouth changes can help identify potential problems early.
Can a dentist detect oral cancer during a regular dental checkup?
Yes. During a routine dental examination, your dentist can look for changes in the mouth that may indicate oral cancer or precancerous conditions. This may include examining the tongue, gums, cheeks, lips, floor and roof of the mouth, and surrounding tissues. If a suspicious area is identified, your dentist may recommend monitoring, additional testing, or referral to a specialist. A visual examination alone cannot confirm whether a person has cancer.
When should I see a dentist about a mouth sore or unusual patch?
You should arrange an assessment if you notice a mouth sore or patch that does not heal within two weeks, an unexplained lump, persistent bleeding, numbness, or an unusual change in the colour or texture of your mouth tissues. Seek assessment sooner if the symptoms are worsening or concerning. Difficulty breathing or an inability to swallow requires emergency medical attention. Do not wait for a routine dental appointment if you have a concerning symptom.
Where can I get an oral cancer screening in Fort Erie, Ontario?
AIMS Dentistry on Garrison provides dental care in Fort Erie, Ontario. If you are concerned about oral cancer or have noticed an unusual change in your mouth, contact our dental team to discuss an examination and determine the appropriate next steps. Our clinic is located at 315 Garrison Road, Unit 1, Fort Erie, Ontario. Call 905-871-2122 to ask about an appointment.
