Oral cancer screening is performed by dentists to detect precancerous or cancerous abnormalities in a patient’s mouth. Doctors can also do this sort of screening. This procedure’s primary objective is to determine whether a patient has oral cancer before it becomes too aggressive to effectively treat. The chances of a successful therapy are increased when a physician detects an issue early.
Your dentist can do an oral cancer screening during your normal dental checkup. Your dentist may want to perform additional tests if they to identify regions of the mouth with unusual cell development. However, some specialists disagree on whether this screening is necessary for a healthy individual without risk factors for oral cancer.
These specialists claim there is no single method of oral cancer screening or examination that can eliminate the risk of dying from mouth cancer.
So, if you do not any have risk factors, do you really need an oral cancer screening? It is entirely up to you and your dentist to choose what is best for you depending on your risk factors.
Why To Get Oral Cancer Screening
This screening is intended to identify oral cancer. Additionally, it can detect precancerous lesions that may develop into oral cancer in the future. When lesions and cancer are identified early, they are easier to remove and/or treat. If you have a high risk of oral cancer, this form of screening is more likely to help you. Several factors can raise your chance of developing oral cancer, including:
- previously diagnosed oral cancer
- using snuff, chewing tobacco, pipes, cigars, cigarettes, or any form of tobacco
- significant sun exposure history, which might result in lip cancer
- heavy alcohol consumption
- a history of having human papillomaviruses (HPV)
Consult your dentist to determine if you should have an oral cancer screening. The screening method involves a physical examination of the mouth cavity and its associated tissues, as well as a visual inspection. This screening might assist in determining if you require early treatment.
In considering your lifestyle, your doctor may prescribe an oral cancer screening. Additionally, you may request it as a precaution.
Risks
Oral cancer screenings have a few drawbacks. For instance, they may necessitate further testing. As is the case with most people, you may have noncancerous sores in your mouth. A simple oral examination will not reveal which are malignant and which are not. The only method for your dentist to make an accurate diagnosis is to extract some abnormal cells and perform a biopsy on them.
Additionally, oral cancer screenings are not able to detect all forms of mouth cancer. As a result, a tiny cancer lesion may remain unnoticed.
Why Oral Cancer Screening Could Be Critical
It is critical to realize that oral cancer frequently manifests as a persistent sore or growth. Cancers of the neck, lips, soft palate, hard palate, tongue, mouth floor, and cheek are included. It can become life-threatening if not diagnosed early. Therefore, oral cancer screening is a critical component of routine dental exams.
