Oral Cancer Screening: Why it is Important and How it Works

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that can occur in any part of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, and throat. According to the American Cancer Society, about 54,010 people will be diagnosed with oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer in 2021. The good news is that oral cancer is highly curable if detected early. That's why oral cancer screening is so important. In this blog post, we will discuss why oral cancer screening is important and how it works.

Why is Oral Cancer Screening Important?

Oral cancer screening is a quick and painless examination that can detect early signs of oral cancer. Early detection of oral cancer is critical because it can be treated more effectively when caught early. When oral cancer is detected at an early stage, the survival rate is about 84%. However, if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the survival rate drops to about 39%.

Risk factors for oral cancer include smoking, using smokeless tobacco, heavy alcohol use, and exposure to HPV (human papillomavirus). However, anyone can develop oral cancer, even if they do not have any of these risk factors. That's why it's important for everyone to have regular oral cancer screenings.

How Does Oral Cancer Screening Work?

Oral cancer screening is typically performed by a dentist or doctor during a routine checkup. The screening involves a visual examination of the mouth and throat, looking for any abnormalities or signs of cancer. The dentist or doctor may also feel for lumps or nodules in the neck, which could be a sign that the cancer has spread.

In addition to the visual and physical examination, some dentists may also use specialized tools to help detect oral cancer. For example, some dentists use a special light called a VELscope, which can help detect abnormal tissue that may be cancerous.

If the dentist or doctor detects any abnormalities during the screening, they may recommend further testing, such as a biopsy, A biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue from the affected area and sending it to a laboratory for analysis.

Conclusion

Oral cancer screening is a simple, painless procedure that can save lives. It is important for everyone to have regular oral cancer screenings, especially if they have any of the risk factors for oral cancer. If you haven't had an oral cancer screening recently, talk to your dentist or doctor about scheduling one. Remember, early detection is key to successfully treating oral cancer.