At A2Z Dental Group, we are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our community in Chatsworth, CA, by providing comprehensive oral cancer screenings. Early detection of oral cancer is necessary for effective treatment, and our experienced dental professionals are committed to using the latest techniques to identify any signs of this disease. Read on to learn more about the importance of oral cancer screenings and how they can help safeguard your oral health.
What is Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screenings help healthcare providers look for signs of cancer in your mouth. They’ll examine the lining of your cheeks, gums, lips, tongue, and floor and roof of your mouth to check for lesions and abnormalities. If they find anything suspicious, they’ll refer you to an oncologist for further testing.
An oral cancer screening is an exam to look for signs of cancer in your mouth. Oral cancers include mouth cancer, jaw cancer, and tongue cancer. The areas examined during an oral cancer screening include:
- Cheek lining
- Floor and roof of your mouth
- Gums
- Lips
- Tongue
- Tonsils
Why are Oral Cancer Screenings So Important?
Oral cancer is a common cancer of the head and neck, affecting people all around the world and has a five-year survival rate of 57%. This means that just a little more than half of the people diagnosed with oral cancer are alive five years after their diagnosis. Oral cancer isn’t particularly difficult to diagnose, but fatality rates are high because oral cancer is too often detected late in its development. Oral cancer screenings are the best tool available for early diagnosis and treatment.
When is an Oral Cancer Screening Recommended?
Healthcare providers use oral cancer screenings to find cancer before symptoms develop. When providers detect oral cancer in its early stages, treatment may be more successful. While a variety of healthcare providers can perform oral cancer screenings, dentists commonly offer them as part of their routine exams. It’s important to note, though, that oral cancer screenings don’t diagnose cancer. If your provider finds anything suspicious, they’ll refer you to an oncologist for further testing, diagnosis, and treatment.
How Do I Prepare for the Screening?
There’s nothing you need to do to prepare for an oral cancer screening. The exam usually takes place during a routine dental or physical checkup.
What Should I Expect During My Oral Cancer Screening?
Your healthcare provider may use a combination of oral cancer screening methods, including a visual exam, palpation, and oral screening dyes and lights. They may also take photos of any abnormal areas so they can monitor them. In general, screenings take less than five minutes.
Visual Exam
During this portion of the exam, your healthcare provider will look for lesions (areas of abnormal tissue) in your mouth and throat. These abnormalities may include leukoplakia (thick white patches) and erythroplakia (abnormally red areas).
Palpation
Your healthcare provider will also use their fingers to feel (palpate) for lumps or bumps around your face, neck, and jaw. Be sure to let them know if you have areas that are sore or tender.
Oral Cancer Screening Dye
Many healthcare providers use oral cancer screening tools — like toluidine blue dye — to look for signs of oral cancer. They’ll coat any lesions with the dye, which can help identify areas that are likely to become cancerous.
Oral Cancer Screening Light
There are also special lights that can help identify abnormal tissues in your mouth. To use this tool, your healthcare provider will ask you to rinse your mouth with a fluorescent mouthwash. Next, they’ll shine a special light in your mouth, which makes healthy tissue look dark and abnormal tissue look white.
Results and Follow-Up
As mentioned above, screenings look for signs of cancer. But you’ll need more testing to get an official diagnosis.
After your oral cancer screening, your healthcare provider will share their findings with you. If the screening indicates that cancer could be present, your provider will refer you to a specialist for further assessment. Tests may include:
Cytology
A provider (specialist)collects cells from your mouth with a brush, piece of cotton, or wooden stick. Then, a pathologist looks at the cells under a microscope to see if they’re abnormal.
Biopsy
During this test, a provider (usually specialist) removes a portion of the abnormal tissue and sends it to a pathologist for analysis.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend a follow-up visit in a week or so to see if the lesion has changed or healed on its own.
When Should I Know the Results?
Your healthcare provider can share their findings with you immediately after your oral cancer screening. If you undergo more testing — such as a biopsy — it typically takes three to five days to get your results.
Look After Your Oral Health at A2Z Dental
At A2Z Dental Group in Chatsworth, CA, your oral health is our priority. Regular oral cancer screenings are a vital part of maintaining your health and detecting issues early. If you notice any abnormalities or changes in your mouth, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Take charge of your oral health today. Schedule your oral cancer screening with A2Z Dental Group in Chatsworth, CA. Early detection can save lives, and we are here to provide you with the care and attention you deserve.
