Assessing the Value of Oral Cancer Screenings

When you head into the dentist’s office for a routine cleaning and check-up, you might get a question about whether you want to undergo an oral cancer screening. If you’ve gotten this question before, you may be wondering whether it’s worthwhile to go through with it.

The value of regular cleanings has been proven time and time again, as has the value of certain regular medical tests, such as an annual mammogram. The case for a regular oral cancer screening isn’t quite as open-and-shut. The important question is: Does it make sense for you?

Understanding Oral Cancer

Rates of oral cavity and nasopharyngeal cancers – or, more commonly, mouth and throat cancers – have been rising for years now. Scientists aren’t entirely sure why, but studies have pointed to viruses, particularly human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr Virus, as contributors. It’s significantly more common in men than in women – men get 70% of oral cancers – with risk increasing after age 50 and being the most significant between ages 75 and 74. Some 54,000 people are diagnosed each year.

What Are They Looking For?

The standard part of the exam entails the dentist inspecting the mouth, as well as the throat and neck, for abnormalities. They’ll check out the lips, tongue, gums, inner cheek lining, tonsils, and roof and floor of the mouth. The symptoms your dentist is looking for include:

• Lesions and mouth sores
• Red (erythroplakia), white (leukoplakia) or red-and-white speckled patches
• Lumps or bumps
• Rough or crusty spots

Other potentially worrisome signs may include:

• Unexplained pain, numbness or bleeding
• Sore throat or hoarseness
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing or talking
• Changes to the patient’s bite
• Significant weight loss

Advanced Screening Techniques

Some dentists and other health professionals go farther in their oral cancer exams, using techniques to make abnormalities easier to spot. One such option is a rinse containing blue dye, usually toluidine, that sticks to abnormal cells, making the areas that have them turn blue. Another is a special screening light that, after the patient uses a fluorescent rinse, causes healthy tissue to appear darker and abnormal tissue appear white.

What if They Do Find Something Wrong?

It’s important to note that the oral cancer screening you receive in a dental office isn’t going to turn up cancer in and of itself. Instead, it’s meant to detect possible symptoms of oral cancer, which would prompt more intensive next steps. Should any abnormality be detected, your dentist may schedule a follow-up visit to see if they’re still there; remove a sample of cells to be sent to a lab for testing; or refer you to an oral pathologist.

Should You Get One?

The biggest point in favor of oral cancer screenings is that they might alert you to the presence of cancer sooner and, of course, when it comes to cancer, the earlier you start treatment, the better your likely outcome. More than half of oral cancers have already spread to other areas, such as the lymph nodes, by the time the patient notices symptoms, and less than 60% of patients survive for five years after their initial diagnosis, in part because it tends to be discovered late. Screenings may be particularly useful for those who have risk factors for oral cancer, including:

• Smoking and other tobacco usage (vaping, chewing, etc.)
• Drinking to a significant degree
• Poor dietary habits
• Previous diagnosis of oral cancer
• Family history of cancer
• History of excessive sun exposure, which can lead to cancer in the lips

 It’s difficult for anyone to spot abnormalities in the mouth, so an exam might not catch them. And – not to put too fine a point on it – people have all sorts of different kinds of sores in their mouths, with few of them being cancerous. Even so, it’s good to have spots like that checked out by your dentist.

Arranging Your Oral Cancer Screening

If you have risk factors or are worried about potentially concerning symptoms, you are in good hands. Oral cancer screenings are part of all routine cleaning appointments at Springfield Dental Group. Reach out to us today to learn more!