Oral Cancer Screening

The statistics on Oral Cancer are very troubling. Thirty thousand people in the US will be diagnosed with some type of oral or pharyngeal cancer this year; only half will still be alive in five years. One dies every hour. Today, oral cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country, yet the survival rate remains stagnant at only about 50%.

This is where the role of a dentist cannot be overstated. We are at the forefront of oral cancer detection. We often spot early changes in our patients' oral tissues that could prove to be cancerous. We see patients for their cleanings and, during that time, an oral exam. We then perform a head and neck check-up, as well as a check of the oral mucosa, tongue, palate, throat and tongue, which could, and does indeed, save lives. Early detection of growths, unusual changes, and detection of lesions or ulcers in the mouth could very well mean an increased chance in surviving oral cancer. Oral cancer that is detected at a very early stage has a survival rate of around 90%.

The problem that dentists face is  the inability to tell the difference between a harmless lesion in the mouth from a cancerous one. This is why it is important to carefully look and feel the inside of the mouth during the Oral Cancer Screening. If anything unusual is found, we immediately refer the patient to an Oral Surgeon to evaluate the area in question. He may decide it’s nothing, or may perform a biopsy. This is nothing to be afraid of, because at its initial stage, oral cancer is treatable.  What is important to realize is that Oral Cancer lesions, which can look like they should be painful, aren’t always. Because of this fact many patients don’t even notice lesions in their mouths because they don’t see them. Even cancerous ulcers in the mouth may present without pain. In addition, Oral cancer is directly linked to tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption can promote malignancy. You can help protect yourself from oral cancer by living a tobacco-free lifestyle, maintaining a balanced diet, using good oral hygiene, performing regular oral self-examination and visiting us regularly. Many Dental offices don’t perform Oral Cancer Screenings, and these dentists are doing a disservice to their patients. Our office does it as part of the clinical exam of the teeth, and we don’t charge for this important service.

Early Detection

Because early detection is important, check your mouth when brushing and flossing. Contact our office if you notice any changes in the appearance of your mouth or any of the signs and symptoms listed below:A persistent sore or irritation that does not heal;

• Color changes such as the development of red and/or white lesions;
• Pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or lips;
• A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area;
• Difficulty in chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue;
• Changes in bite.