Why Oral Cancer Screenings Are a Small Step That Could Save Your Life

Oral cancer is a potentially life-threatening condition that can spread quickly to other parts of the body if it’s not caught and treated as soon as possible. All too often, this type of cancer doesn’t have distinct symptoms in the early stages, which means you may not notice that something is wrong until the disease has advanced.

The most effective way to catch this condition early on is to receive regular oral cancer screenings. These screenings can be performed during your regular dental evaluations, allowing you to start treatment as soon as possible. 

What is an oral cancer screening?

Oral cancer screenings are nothing to be concerned about. They’re fast, painless procedures that occur during regular dental appointments. Your dentist will look over your mouth, neck, and tongue in search of anything that doesn’t look normal, such as sores, discolored patches, or textural changes to your lips, gums, or tongue. 

The screening will also include palpation. With gloved hands, your dentist will look for lumps or other protrusions in your mouth and neck.

In some instances, an oral cancer screening can also involve the application of special lights or dyes to better detect changes that may not be apparent to the naked eye. These measures are painless as well. 

The lymph nodes in your neck can often warn of health issues, including cancer. Your dentist will assess them by touch and look for signs of enlargement. Unexplained swelling in the lymph nodes is often one of the first signs of oral cancer. 

Who should get screened?

All adults can benefit from regular oral cancer screenings, but people in particularly vulnerable groups must ensure that they receive these screenings several times a year. Those who are over 40, smoke or drink heavily, or have a history of human papillomavirus infections can all benefit tremendously from these evaluations. 

It’s also important for those with a family history of oral cancer to get regular assessments. Lip cancer is another concern if you get a significant amount of sun exposure, so anyone who spends hours outside should receive screenings at regular intervals.

Why Early Detection Matters

Diagnosing oral cancer early on gives you a chance to start receiving the treatments you need right away. Oral cancer is a fast-spreading disease, so the sooner you begin treating it, the better your prognosis will be. Allowing oral cancer to advance to its later stages can lower your chances of survival.

Early oral cancer can be addressed with less invasive treatments than at later stages. Later intervention may require surgery, which, aside from being more costly and time-consuming, can impact mouth function. You could lose a section of your jaw or have trouble swallowing or speaking because of tissue removal. 

By catching oral cancer sooner, you can also reduce your chances of experiencing visible changes to your mouth and other oral structures. By the same token, it will be easier to prevent tooth loss or visible lip scarring.

Aside from improving health outcomes, starting treatment as early as possible will keep your overall healthcare costs down. Treating early-stage oral cancer will cost only a fraction of the time, money, and stress involved in removing tumors. 

What happens if something looks unusual?

If your dentist spots anything out of the ordinary, they’ll perform additional assessments. Typically, this starts with imaging studies. They may use X-rays to get a better look at your oral structures. If that doesn’t offer the answers they need, they may perform a biopsy.

During a biopsy, the dentist removes a small sample of tissue from an area that looks unusual, then sends it to a laboratory for analysis. Biopsies can be used to determine whether cancer cells are present or whether another health issue might be at play.

Depending on the findings of their assessments, your dentist might refer you to a specialist. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have cancer. It’s simply a precaution that your provider may take to rule out more serious possibilities.

Turn to a Trusted Family Dentist in Chattanooga

Getting regular dental evaluations will ensure that your oral structures are in good health, while also uncovering signs of serious conditions, such as oral cancer. The friendly dental professionals at Alani Dental Center can provide the expertise you need to keep your teeth, gums, and tongue healthy and functional. 

We provide general dentistry services to individuals and families in Chattanooga, taking a holistic approach to offering the care our patients deserve. When you put your trust in our dedicated dental professionals, you’ll receive exceptional treatment and get clear answers to any questions or concerns you may have.

If it’s been a while since you’ve had a dental evaluation, or you’re looking for a new family dentist for future needs, we can help. Plan your visit today to make an appointment with a knowledgeable team member.