What is an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is a routine process where a patient’s mouth and neck are thoroughly examined by a specialist to check for early signs of oral cancer.
Frequent signs of oral cancer include:
Persistent red and/or white circular marks
Continuous swelling or enlargement of tissue
Unusual surface changes inside the mouth
Unexplained looseness in your teeth without any rational cause
Unusual oral bleeding
Keep in mind that a standard oral cancer screening may not be able to identify every single type of mouth cancer, so arranging a follow-up discussion with your care team for further evaluation or questions might be necessary.
Why Is It Needed?
Oral cancer screenings are recommended on a regular basis because the chances of successfully treating and stopping cancer before it spreads are far greater when detected in the early stages.
While these screenings are often initiated during semi-annual teeth cleanings, a dedicated oncology or medical specialist may perform additional, advanced tests if there are concerns during the initial exam.
It is strongly recommended that individuals with a higher risk of oral cancer undergo regular screenings. Key risk factors that significantly increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer include:
Use of tobacco (smoking, chewing, snuff, etc.)
A personal or family history of oral cancer
Long-term, heavy alcohol consumption
Excessive unprotected sun exposure (which increases the risk of lip cancer)
What to Expect During the Oral Exam
During the exam, your physician will ask you to open your mouth wide to scan for red or white patches, sores, or abnormalities around the gumline, tongue, and inner cheeks. The doctor will also feel around the outside of your jaw, neck, and throat to ensure there are no unusual bumps or enlarged lymph nodes. In most cases, this physical evaluation takes no longer than 5 to 10 minutes.
Depending on your overall health and risk profile, your doctor may choose to perform advanced diagnostic tests to screen for abnormal tissue, such as:
Oral Cancer Screening Dye: Similar to a mouthwash, you swish a specialized liquid in your mouth. After rinsing, the dye temporarily adheres to and highlights abnormal cells with a visible blue hue.
Oral Screening Light: Instead of a dye, this diagnostic tool uses a targeted light shone into the mouth, causing unhealthy or abnormal tissue to appear white for easy identification.
Follow-Up Steps
If your doctor discovers abnormal cells or suspicious lesions during the exam, they will typically recommend one of two next steps:
A Follow-Up Visit: Scheduled in a couple of weeks to re-evaluate the area and check if the abnormalities are still present or have changed in appearance.
A Biopsy Procedure: A minor procedure where a doctor gently scrapes or samples the abnormal cells to examine them under a microscope. This determines whether the tissue is benign or cancerous and helps guide your personalized treatment plan.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening Today
If you are overdue for an evaluation or are experiencing any persistent symptoms, don’t wait. Contact the team at NJ Cancer Care today to schedule your comprehensive oral cancer screening with our experienced specialists.