Oral cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the tissues of the mouth or throat. It can be serious and might be a life-threatening condition if not detected early.
Luckily, regular oral cancer screenings can help identify the disease in its early stages. This increases the chances of successful treatment.
Here, we’ll discuss what to expect during this kind of screening. And, we share why it’s important for your oral health and how you can prepare for the screening.
Why It Is Important for Your Oral Health
This is a routine examination where the dentist examines your mouth and throat to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions. It’s a quick and painless procedure that can help detect the disease early when it’s most treatable.
Early detection can save lives and improve outcomes for people with oral cancer. Your dentist or doctor may recommend screening for oral cancers if you’re at risk for the disease.
Risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco use and heavy alcohol consumption. It also includes exposure to HPV, a history of oral cancer, and a weakened immune system.
What to Expect
During the screening process, your dentist or doctor will examine your mouth and throat. They will check for any signs of cancer or precancerous conditions.
The examination is often painless and takes only a few minutes. Your dentist or doctor may use a variety of tools and techniques to examine your mouth and throat, including:
Visual Examination
The dentist or doctor will look at your mouth, tongue, and throat for any signs of abnormalities, such as lumps, bumps, or sores.
Physical Examination
The dentist or doctor may feel your neck, throat, and jaw for any lumps or abnormalities.
Fluorescence Examination
This involves shining a special light on the tissues of the mouth and throat to detect any abnormal changes in the cells.
Biopsy
If any abnormal tissue is found during the examination, your dentist or doctor may take a small sample of the tissue for further testing.
How to Prepare
There’s no special preparation required for an oral cancer screening. But, you should let your dentist or doctor know if you have any symptoms that concern you, such as lumps, bumps, or sores in your mouth or throat.
You should also inform them of any risk factors you may have for oral cancer. If you wear dentures or have any dental appliances, you should remove them before the screening.
It would also help if you can check these dental services. Doing research beforehand can also help you with all the preparations needed.
Getting Ready for an Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screening is a quick and painless procedure that can help detect the disease as soon as possible. Your dentist or doctor may recommend this procedure if you’re at risk for the disease, or if you have any symptoms that concern you.
By staying on top of your oral care and getting regular screenings, you can help maintain your dental health and catch any potential problems early. Remember to talk to your dentist or doctor if you have any concerns about your oral health or risk for oral cancer.
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