8 Step Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer can be a life-threatening situation if not diagnosed early. Routine and regular screenings can help detect the disease before it progresses. There are different steps during the oral cancer screening process to catch the potential issues quickly and accurately. These screenings are an important part of maintaining your health, as early detection increases the chances of successful treatment. Here, we will look into all the steps of the oral cancer screening process.

Do All Dentists Do Oral Cancer Screenings?

Not all dentists perform a screening test for oral cancer during routine check-ups. Some focus on checking for cavities or gum disease. However, regular steps of oral cancer screening are important to monitor issues before they become more serious. Taking a preventative approach helps identify any abnormalities at an early stage and improves the chances of effective treatment.

When Should I Start Cancer Screening?

You can start oral cancer screening in Minnesota as early as age 18, especially if you use tobacco or alcohol. Here are different situations to consider for steps of oral cancer screening:

• You can start screenings by age 18 to 20, even without symptoms, to catch early signs of cancer. Or, start in your late teens or early 20s, as HPV increases the risk of oral cancers.
• Start screenings as soon as you become a regular user due to a higher risk of oral cancer.
• Frequent drinkers should get screened early and regularly.
• If cancer runs in your family, start screenings around age 18 and maintain regular check-ups.
• Get screened immediately if you notice mouth sores, lumps, or trouble swallowing, regardless of age.

Oral Cancer Screening Stages

Thorough steps of oral cancer screening involve several examinations of different areas, such as the mouth and throat. Here’s how oral cancer screening works:

Step 1. Visual Examination

The dentist carefully looks inside your mouth with a small light and mirror. Your lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and the roof and floor of your mouth are closely monitored. Any red or white patches, ulcers, sores, or unusual growths need examination. You may also stick out your tongue so the dentist can inspect the sides and underneath for any abnormalities.

Step 2. Physical Examination

The dentist uses gloved hands to feel inside your mouth and around your jawline and neck. They gently press on your cheeks, tongue, and the floor of your mouth to check for any lumps, thickened areas, or unusual textures. This part helps detect areas that may not be visible but can be felt.

Step 3. Tongue and Throat Check

The dentist will use gauze to hold your tongue and move it side to side to get a better look at its sides and underneath, which are common sites for oral cancer. They may also ask you to say “ah” as they examine the back of your throat and tonsils for any swelling, discoloration, or sores.

Step 4. Jaw Movement Assessment

The dentist may ask you to move your jaw by opening and closing your mouth or moving it side to side. They do this to check for possible stiffness or discomfort that may indicate underlying problems with the tissue or joints.

Step 5. Lymph Node Check

The lymph nodes under your jaw and in your neck will also be examined. The dentist will gently press these areas to check for any swelling, lumps, or tenderness, which could suggest infection or a more serious issue like cancer spreading to the lymph nodes.

Step 6. Use of Special Tools

In some cases, the dentist might use specialized tools for a more in-depth evaluation:

• ViziLite or VELscope are special lights used to highlight abnormal tissue that may not be visible to the naked eye. Healthy tissue glows differently than abnormal tissue under these lights.
• Toluidine Blue Stain is a blue dye that may be applied to suspicious areas. Abnormal cells tend to absorb the dye and make them stand out more clearly.

Step 7. Biopsy (Not Always Needed)

If there are any suspicious lumps or lesions during the screening, you need to do a biopsy. In a biopsy, they remove a small sample of tissue from the abnormal area and send it to a lab for testing to confirm whether cancerous cells are present.

Step 8. Discussion of Findings

When the steps of oral cancer screening are complete, the dentist will discuss any concerns or findings with you. If they find anything unusual, they may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation or schedule follow-up tests, like imaging or a biopsy.

What Tests Are Done to Diagnose Oral Cancer?

If the screening shows anything concerning, several tests can help diagnose oral cancer. The most common ones include:

• A biopsy is taken to analyze a tissue sample for cancerous cells to confirm if an area is cancerous or benign.
• X-rays can check if the cancer has affected nearby bones and assess the extent of the spread.
• CT or MRI scans give a clearer picture of the tumor’s size and location to plan treatment.
• PET Scans detect cancerous cells to identify cancer spread to distant parts of the body to determine the stage of cancer.

What Is Oral Cancer Self-Screening?

You can perform basic oral cancer self-screening at home between your regular dental check-ups. Doing this regularly increases the chances of spotting an issue early. Here are self screening for oral cancer​ instructions:

1. Stand in front of a mirror and examine your lips, gums, and tongue for any sores, discoloration, or unusual spots.
2. Use your fingers to feel the inside of your cheeks and along your jawline for lumps or areas that feel firm.
3. Tilt your head back and inspect your throat. Look for red or white patches or any visible lumps.
4. Feel your neck for any swollen lymph nodes or tenderness.

If you notice anything unusual, contact your dentist immediately for a professional evaluation.

Are Oral Cancer Screenings Necessary?

Yes, steps of oral cancer screening are essential precautions. Early detection significantly improves treatment success. Oral cancer often starts with subtle signs, like small sores or lumps, that seem harmless. By the time noticeable symptoms appear, the cancer may have advanced. Regular dentist oral cancer screening test catches potential issues early and makes it easier to treat them.

Where to Get Oral Cancer Screening in Minnesota?

At Long Lake Family Dentistry, we offer comprehensive steps of oral cancer screening. Our skilled team of dentists ensures a thorough examination with every visit. Early detection can save lives, so don’t wait to schedule your screening. We are here to guide you through the process and provide top-tier care.

Conclusion

Oral cancer screenings are quick and painless but can be life-saving. They help identify signs of oral cancer at its earliest stages, which improves the chances of successful treatment. Thorough steps of oral cancer screening ensure that any abnormalities are caught early.

FAQs