Oral Cancer Screening at Ashar Dentistry
Oral cancer is a pathologic process that begins with an asymptomatic stage during which the usual cancer signs may not be readily noticeable. This makes the oral cancer examinations performed by the dentist critically important. Oral cancers can be of varied histologic types, such as teratoma, adenocarcinoma, and melanoma. The most common type of oral cancer is malignant squamous cell carcinoma. This oral cancer type usually originates in lip and mouth tissues.
According to research by the American Cancer Society, more than 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. More than 7,000 of these cases result in the death of the patient. The good news is that oral cancer can easily be diagnosed with an annual oral cancer exam and effectively treated when caught in its earliest stages.
There are many different places in the oral cavity and maxillofacial region in which oral cancers commonly occur, including:
- Lips
- Mouth
- Tongue
- Salivary Glands
- Oropharyngeal Region (throat)
- Gums
- Face
Reasons for oral cancer examinations
It is important to note that around 75 percent of oral cancers are linked to modifiable behaviors such as smoking, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption. Your dentist can provide literature and education on lifestyle changes and smoking cessation.
Treatment is generally very effective when oral cancer is diagnosed in its earliest stages. During the oral cancer exam, the dentist and dental hygienist will carefully scrutinize the maxillofacial and oral regions for signs of pathologic changes. Any noticeable abnormalities in the tongue, gums, mouth, or surrounding area should be evaluated by a health professional as quickly as possible.
The following signs will be investigated during a routine oral cancer exam:
Red patches and sores: Red patches on the floor of the mouth, the front and sides of the tongue, white or pink patches which fail to heal, and slow-healing sores that bleed easily can be indicative of (cancerous) changes.
Leukoplakia – This is a hardened white or gray, a slightly raised lesion that can appear anywhere inside the mouth. Leukoplakia can be cancerous or may become cancerous if treatment is not sought.
Lumps – Soreness, lumps, or the general thickening of tissue anywhere in the throat or mouth can signal pathological problems.
Oral cancer exams, diagnosis, and treatment
The oral cancer examination is a completely painless process. During the visual part of the examination, the dentist will look for abnormalities and feel the face, glands, and neck for unusual bumps. Lasers highlighting changes are also an excellent tool for oral cancer checks. The laser can “look” below the surface for abnormal signs and lesions which would be invisible to the naked eye.
The dentist will implement a diagnostic impression and treatment plan if abnormalities, lesions, leukoplakia, or lumps are apparent. If the initial treatment plan is ineffective, a biopsy of the area will be performed. The biopsy includes a clinical evaluation that will identify the oral lesion’s precise stage and grade.
Oral cancer is deemed to be present when the epithelium’s basement membrane has been broken. Malignant types of cancer can readily spread to other places in the oral and maxillofacial regions, posing additional secondary threats. Treatment methods vary according to the precise diagnosis but may include excision, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
During bi-annual check-ups, the dentist and hygienist will thoroughly look for changes and lesions in the mouth. Still, a dedicated comprehensive oral cancer screening should be performed at least once each year.
