Oral Cancer Screening: Your Best Defense Against a Deadly Disease
Although oral cancer may not get as much attention as some more widely-known types of cancer, that doesn’t mean it’s any less deadly. In fact, it is estimated that in the United States, oral cancer is responsible for killing one person every hour, every day. While it accounts for a relatively small percentage of all cancers, oral cancer is dangerous because it isn’t usually detected until it has reached an advanced stage. At that point, the odds aren’t great: only about 6 in 10 people will survive after five years of treatment.
The good news is that early detection has been shown to increase the survival rate of oral cancer to 80% or better. This is why having an oral cancer screening is a vital part of your regular dental checkups at Schaefer Dental Group in Lansing, Michigan.
The Oral Cancer Examination
An oral cancer examination is fast and painless. Its objective is to identify small changes in the lining tissues of the mouth, lips, and tongue that may signify the early stages of this type of cancer. The screening is primarily a visual and tactile (touch) examination:
- Your lips, tongue, and the inside of your mouth are visually assessed for red or white patches or unusual sores.
- The tissues are palpated (pressed with fingers) to detect the presence of lumps and swellings.
- A special light, dye, or other procedure may be used to help check any suspect areas.
- If any abnormalities are noted, a small tissue sample (biopsy) can be retrieved for further laboratory testing, which is the only way to accurately diagnose oral cancer.
Who’s At Risk for Developing Oral Cancer?
While oral cancer still mostly affects those over 40, today younger people form the fastest-growing segment among oral cancer patients, primarily due to the spread of the sexually-transmitted Human Papilloma Virus (HPV16).
Other major risk factors include:
- Being middle aged or older.
- Moderate to heavy alcohol consumption.
- Long-time tobacco use (in any form).
- Chronic exposure to the sun (associated with lip cancers).
If you notice abnormal sores or color changes in the tissue of your mouth, lips, or tongue, and they haven’t gone away by themselves after 2-3 weeks, they should be examined immediately. Remember, early diagnosis, aided by thorough screenings at your regular dental checkups, is one of the best defenses against oral cancer.