Early detection of oral cancer is essential for effective treatment, and routine screenings can identify problems before they develop into something severe.
Some individuals might not understand how significant an oral cancer exam in Marietta is until symptoms arise. Nonetheless, the exam is brief, painless, and can bring peace of mind if done consistently. In this blog, we will guide you through what happens during the process and why it is important.
Why is an Oral Cancer Exam Important?
Oral cancer is an extremely dangerous disease that begins in the mouth, affecting the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and throat. Like many other cancers, it may not show symptoms in the initial stages. That is why screenings are needed. Only dentists and periodontists can detect changes in the mouth that are suspected to be cancer or precancerous. These changes if detected early have a higher chance of being treated successfully.
What Happens During a Mouth Cancer Screening?
A mouth cancer screening is a simple, non-invasive examination performed by a dental professional. It usually takes a few minutes and includes the following stages:
1. Medical History Review
Prior to the start of the examination, the dentist or periodontist will ask about your medical history. You may be asked about any risk factors, including:
- Tobacco or smoking
- Drinking heavily
- Family history of oral cancer
- Excessive sun exposure (which has an increased risk of lip cancer)
- HPV (human papillomavirus), is a known risk factor for oral cancer.
Knowing and understanding your history will allow the dentist to evaluate your risk and how often you may need screenings.
2. Visual Inspection
The second step is a good visual inspection of the mouth, lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat. The dentist will check for:
- Red or white patches
- Sore that hasn’t healed
- Unusual lumps or thickened tissues
- Alteration in the colour or texture of the soft tissues of the mouth
A bright light and mirror might be employed to enhance visibility, and sometimes a special light or dye may be used to help illuminate abnormal cells.
3. An Clinical Examination
After that, the dentist put his or her fingers inside the mouth, washed through the tongue, and checked the area around the jawline. Use your fingers to discover lumps or any abnormal tissue changes that are not easily visible.
She might even press her fingers against the lymph nodes in your neck to see if they’re swollen because swollen lymph nodes might mean an infection or cancer.
4. Advanced Screening Methods (If Needed)
If anything unusual is found, the dentist may use additional tools to get a closer look. Some common advanced screening methods include:
- Oral Cancer Checkup using a special dye – Certain dyes, when rinsed in the mouth, can make abnormal cells stand out.
- Fluorescence Light Examination – Some dentists use a special light that helps highlight abnormal tissues.
- Biopsy Recommendation – If a suspicious area is found, the dentist may recommend a biopsy, which involves removing a small sample of tissue for further testing.
5. Discussion of Findings and Next Steps
Once the exam is complete, the dentist will discuss the results with you. If no suspicious areas are found, they will recommend continuing regular screenings as part of your routine dental checkups. If anything unusual is detected, they may refer you for further testing or a specialist consultation.
How Often Should You Get an Oral Cancer Checkup?
Most dental professionals recommend an oral cancer checkup at least once a year. However, if you have high-risk factors, your dentist may suggest more frequent screenings.
Get Your Oral Cancer Exam Today
Regular oral cancer screenings are essential for early detection and successful treatment. At Kennestone Periodontics, we provide thorough periodontics near you services, including oral cancer exams, to help protect your health. If you haven’t had a screening recently, schedule an appointment with our experienced team today. Your oral health is our priority!