Screening for various cancers is important. Oral cancer is just one example. By scheduling regular oral cancer screenings, you can improve your chances of catching and addressing the condition early. An oral cancer screening can overlap with a dental cleaning or other appointment with your dental care specialist.
How Common is Oral Cancer Among Adults?
According to the American Cancer Society, a man’s chances of developing oral cancer are about one in 59. A woman’s chances of developing this condition are about one in 139. Additionally, your risk of developing oral cancer may increase as you age. The average age at which someone receives a diagnosis of oral cancer is 64.
What Does Oral Cancer Screening Involve?
The Mayo Clinic points out that various medical organizations and agencies are in disagreement regarding how often healthy adults require oral cancer screenings. In addition, there isn’t one standardized screening examination for oral cancer. However, scheduling an oral cancer screening may be as simple as doing something you already should be doing every six months: seeing your dentist.
A dentist will usually perform a visual examination of your mouth during an appointment. When doing so, they can check for common signs of oral cancer. Examples include:
- Gray or white patches in the mouth
- Raised red patches that may bleed
- Red and white patches
- Lip or mouth sores that bleed easily
You may also notice non-visual symptoms that indicate it’s time to schedule an oral cancer screening. They include:
- Unexplained numbness, pain, or tenderness in the face and mouth
- Chewing difficulties
- Swallowing difficulties
- Speaking difficulties
- Bad breath
You may lose weight unintentionally due to oral cancer as well. Seek care if you experience any of these symptoms.
What Happens After an Oral Cancer Screening During a Dental Examination?
Oral cancer screenings don’t diagnose oral cancer. Your dentist can refer you to an oncologist if they notice any potential cancer signs. Further testing is necessary to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Preparing for an Oral Cancer Screening
A basic oral cancer screening during a dental examination requires no special preparation on your part. However, if you believe you’ve noticed any signs or symptoms of oral cancer, you should write them down to share with your dentist during your appointment. A dentist can take a closer look at any areas that concern you. If they believe these areas aren’t cause for concern, they can explain why.
In addition, soreness or tenderness may be among your symptoms. Let a dentist and anyone else involved in the screening know where this tenderness is most prominent.
Sometimes, oral cancer screening involves “palpation.” This is when a dentist or other such professional feels your face and nearby areas with their fingers for any signs of cancer. You might experience pain if they press down too hard on areas they didn’t know were sore or tender.
Contact a Long Island Dentist Today
At Babylon Dental Care, we have locations in Patchogue and West Babylon. We’d be glad to perform an oral cancer screening during your next visit. Get started today by scheduling an appointment online or calling us at (631) 983-6665.
