Oral cancer screening helps doctors detect signs of cancer in the mouth. They will examine the lining of your cheeks, gums, lips, tongue, floor, and palate for lesions and abnormalities. If they find anything suspicious, they will refer you to an oncologist for further testing.
What is Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screening is a test to detect signs of cancer in the mouth. Types of cancer include oral cancer, jaw cancer, and tongue cancer.
Oral cancer screening examines the following areas:
- Mouth lining.
- Floor and palate.
- Gums.
- Lips.
- Tongue.
- Tonsils.
Why is oral cancer screening important?
Oral cancer is a common head and neck cancer that affects people worldwide. Nearly 54,000 Americans are diagnosed by oral or oropharyngeal cancer each year.
The five-year survival rate for oral cancer is 57%. This means that only a little more than half of people diagnosed with oral cancer survive five years after diagnosis. Oral cancer is not that difficult to diagnose. However, mortality rates are high because oral cancer is too often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Oral cancer screening is the best tool available for early detection and treatment.
When is oral cancer screening recommended? Health professionals use oral cancer screening tests to detect cancer before symptoms appear. If oral cancer is detected early, treatment can be more effective.
Can a dentist determine if you have oral cancer?
While many health professionals can perform oral cancer screening tests, dentists typically offer them as part of routine checkups. However, it’s important to note that oral cancer screening tests do not diagnose cancer. Health professionals use the tests to look for signs of cancer. If your doctor finds anything suspicious, they will refer you to an oncologist for additional testing, diagnosis, and treatment.
How is oral cancer detected early?
Oral cancer screening tests can help detect early signs of oral cancer. But the only sure way to know if you have oral cancer is to collect distrustful cells and analyze them in a laboratory. If your doctor respondents you have oral cancer, he or she will refer you to another specialist for testing.
Test Details
How do I prepare for the screening test?
No additional steps are required to prepare for an oral cancer screening test. The test is usually performed during a routine dental or medical exam.
What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening
Your healthcare provider may use a combination of oral cancer screening methods, including visual inspection, palpation, and detection with dyes and light. They may also take images of any abnormal areas so they can be visualized. The test usually takes less than five minutes.
Visual Inspection
During this part of the exam, your healthcare provider will inspect the inside of your mouth and throat to look for abnormalities (areas of abnormal tissue). These abnormalities may include leukoplakia (hard white patches) and erythroplakia (abnormal red areas).
Palpation
Your healthcare provider will also use their fingers to palpate (feel) any lumps or swellings in your face, neck, and jaw. Be sure to tell them if you have any tender or painful areas.
Oral Cancer Dye Screening
Many doctors use oral cancer screening tools, such as toluidine blue dye, to look for signs of oral cancer. They coat any lesions with dye, which can help identify areas that could be cancerous.
Oral Cancer Detection with Light
There are also special lights that can help identify abnormal tissue in the mouth. To use this tool, your doctor will ask you to rinse your mouth with a fluorescent mouthwash. They will then shine a special light into your mouth, which will darken healthy tissue and bleach abnormal tissue.
Results and Follow-up
What happens after an oral cancer screening test?
As mentioned above, the screening test is designed to detect signs of cancer. However, to obtain an official diagnosis, you will need additional testing.
After an oral cancer screening test, your healthcare provider will inform you of the results. If the results show cancer, your healthcare provider will refer you to a professional for further testing.
Tests may include:
- Cytology: Your doctor will collect cells from your mouth using a brush, cotton swab, or wooden stick. A pathologist will examine the cells under a microscope to determine if they are abnormal.
- Biopsy: During this test, your doctor will remove some of the abnormal tissue and send it to a pathologist for analysis.
Your healthcare provider might also recommend a follow-up visit in about a week to see if the lesion has changed or healed on its own.
When will I know my results?
Your healthcare provider might give you the results immediately after the oral cancer screening test.
If you need additional testing, such as a biopsy, results usually take three to five days.
When should you call your doctor?
If you have pain in your mouth or notice any new lumps, bumps, or lesions, call your doctor immediately. Early detection is important, so if you think something is wrong, seek medical attention immediately.
Can I do an Oral Cancer Screening at Home?
Some doctors recommend doing oral cancer screening at home once a month. However, oral cancer self-screening is not a substitute for biennial screening in a clinic.
Ask your doctor about home screening. Here are some general guidelines:
- Look in the mirror and examine your face for any recent changes, such as swelling, lumps, rashes, or moles.
- Run your fingers along your jaw and the sides of your neck. Check for swelling or asymmetry.
- Separate each lip from your teeth. Observe any discoloration and feel for lumps or swelling.
- Gently separate your cheeks. Look for any red or white spots. Feel the inside of your cheeks for lesions or tenderness.
- Use your thumb and forefinger to palpate the gum line. Be sure to check the surface of your tongue as well.
- Gently retract your tongue and feel for swelling or discoloration. Touch the roof of your mouth with the tip of your tongue. Feel for any abnormalities under your tongue.
- Next, tilt your head back to examine the roof of your mouth. Note any discoloration or sores.
- Finally, lift your tongue and feel the floor of your mouth for tenderness, sores, or swelling.
A lump in the neck can be a sign of advanced oral cancer, so it is important to palpate the neck for any lumps or swelling. Pay attention to any suspicious symptoms and consult your doctor for further instructions.
Summary
Oral cancer is a common cancer that affects the head and neck. With an alarmingly high mortality rate, early detection is key to timely diagnosis and treatment. Regular screening suggestions the best chance of detecting oral cancer in its early stages. Ask your doctor how often you should be screened to maintain optimal health.