Oral cancer may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about routine dental care, but it is one of the most important reasons to visit your dentist regularly. Oral cancer screenings are fast, painless, and could be lifesaving. At Norton Dental Arts, we include this screening as a standard part of every dental checkup.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a serious condition that can affect various parts of the mouth and surrounding tissues, including:
- The sides and underside of the tongue
- The floor of the mouth
- The lips and cheeks
- The soft palate and throat
- The tonsils
Early signs of oral cancer may include white or red patches, lumps, or persistent sores that do not heal. These signs are not always painful, which makes professional screening even more important.
Why Early Detection Matters
Like most cancers, oral cancer has the best treatment outcomes when it is caught early. Routine screenings allow us to identify abnormalities before they become advanced. Even if you do not notice any symptoms, an oral cancer screening can detect warning signs that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Oral cancer often develops silently, without discomfort or visible damage. Regular checkups give us the chance to catch it at the earliest and most treatable stages.
Who Is at Risk for Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer can affect anyone, but certain factors increase the risk significantly. These include:
- Tobacco use (smoking or chewing)
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Poor oral hygiene
- Excessive sun exposure (especially for lip cancer)
- Age (risk increases with age)
- Gender (men are more likely to develop oral cancer)
Patients who fall into one or more of these categories may require more frequent monitoring during their dental visits.
What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening
An oral cancer screening is a quick and non-invasive exam that includes:
- Visual inspection of the tongue, cheeks, lips, and roof of the mouth
- Tactile examination of the jawline and neck for lumps or swelling
- Examination of the floor of the mouth and underneath the tongue
- Use of special lighting or tools (such as mirrors or scopes) to detect abnormal tissue
We also use a device called a VELscope. This handheld tool emits a blue light to help identify potentially cancerous or abnormal tissue that may not be visible under normal lighting. The entire process typically takes less than 10 minutes and does not cause discomfort.
If we notice anything out of the ordinary during your screening, we will document the findings and recommend the next appropriate steps.
In many cases, this involves referring you for a biopsy. A biopsy is a small sample of tissue that is sent to a lab for analysis to determine whether it is benign or malignant. In many cases, the issue may turn out to be non-cancerous. However, it is always better to be cautious and ensure a proper diagnosis early on.
How Often Should You Be Screened?
We include an oral cancer screening during every routine dental checkup and cleaning. For most patients, this means being screened two to three times per year. If you are in a higher-risk category due to smoking, alcohol use, or a history of oral health issues, we may suggest more frequent evaluations.
Regular screenings are one of the most effective tools we have to protect your oral and overall health.
How to Monitor for Symptoms at Home
In between visits, you can stay proactive by watching for the following signs:
- White or red patches inside the mouth
- Sores that persist for more than two weeks
- Numbness or pain that does not go away
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- Swelling or lumps in the jaw or neck
- Persistent hoarseness or voice changes
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your dentist promptly for an evaluation.
Case Study: Early Oral Cancer Detection During a Routine Exam
Patient Overview
A new male patient in his early 60s contacted our office urgently after experiencing discomfort at the back of his mouth. He described it as a dull, persistent pressure that made it difficult to open his mouth fully. Importantly, he did not believe it was a tooth issue and had no visible swelling or trauma.
He had never been to our clinic before and was referred from the emergency dental line. His call came the same morning we saw him.
Initial Assessment
During the patient’s emergency exam, I performed a full oral cancer screening in addition to our standard evaluation. Upon inspecting the rear floor of the mouth and the underside of the tongue, I noticed tissue changes that raised immediate concern. These included:
- Red and white irregular lesions
- Texture abnormalities
- Localized swelling not associated with a tooth
Palpation of the area also revealed tenderness inconsistent with dental infection. The discomfort reported by the patient matched the lesion site, and he noted the symptoms had persisted for several weeks but had gradually worsened.
Clinical Action
Taken We acted swiftly to:
- Document and photograph the abnormal area
- Refer the patient to an oral surgeon for same-day evaluation
- Provide a clinical note and direct communication with the specialist to streamline urgent care
- Encourage the patient to undergo a biopsy of the lesion for confirmation
This level of responsiveness was crucial. Though the patient initially presented with vague symptoms, the physical findings strongly indicated a need for further investigation.
Diagnosis and Follow-Up
While our clinic was not responsible for performing the biopsy, the oral surgeon confirmed the presence of oral cancer. The patient was immediately enrolled in a care pathway that included oncology consultation and surgical planning.
The early detection and immediate referral meant his condition was addressed at a stage when treatment options were more straightforward and prognosis more favorable.
Outcome and Reflection
The patient began treatment within a week of his initial phone call to our office. Because he reached out promptly and we performed a full oral cancer screening during his first visit, we were able to catch the cancer before it spread further.
Key Takeaways:
- Oral cancer can present subtly. The patient had no visible swelling and no dental pain.
- A complete screening of the tongue, floor of the mouth, and soft tissue is vital – especially in patients over 50.
- Same-day referrals and provider communication can be lifesaving.
Closing Thoughts
This case underscores the power of a routine oral cancer screening in changing a patient’s health trajectory. Even though this was a new patient with non-dental complaints, the decision to perform a full screening resulted in a timely cancer diagnosis.
If you are experiencing discomfort that doesn’t feel like a typical dental issue – or if you haven’t had a professional screening in the past six months – contact our office. A ten-minute exam can give you peace of mind, or possibly save your life.
Schedule Your Screening Today
Oral cancer screenings are simple, fast, and could make a critical difference in your long-term health. Whether you are due for a regular cleaning or have concerns about changes in your mouth, our team is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule your next dental visit. Early detection saves lives. Your peace of mind starts with a simple exam.
