What is Oral Cancer Screening?

A screening test for oral cancer is a quick and painless examination done by your dentist to check for signs of cancer in your mouth. This includes the lips, gums, tongue, and throat. It’s a crucial step in catching oral cancer early when it’s most treatable. Regular screenings can save lives because they detect cancer in its early stages, even before symptoms show up. Here, we guide you through the steps of oral screening for mouth cancer.

Which Test is Best for Mouth Cancer?

There isn’t one single test for oral cancer. Apart from oral cancer light screening, oral cancer dentist screening includes a visual exam of your mouth, looking for lumps, sores, or discolored tissue. They may also feel your neck and jaw for unusual bumps. If anything looks suspicious, further testing, like a biopsy, is done. The screening test for oral cancer should be a routine part of your dental care, especially for individuals with higher risk factors, like those who smoke or drink heavily.

8 Steps of Oral Cancer Screening

The steps for oral cancer examination in Minnesota play a vital role in identifying any signs at the earliest stage possible. Our comprehensive screening test for oral cancer involves these 8 essential steps:

1. Checking for sores or abnormalities on the lips.
2. Looking for red or white patches inside of cheeks.
3. Checking for lumps or unusual textures on the tongue.
4. Examining for any irregularities on the roof and floor of the mouth.
5. Looking for signs of unusual growths on the gums and teeth.
6. Observing the tonsils and back of the throat.
7. Checking for lumps or swollen lymph nodes on the neck.
8. Ensuring there’s no stiffness or pain when moving the jaw.

Oral Cancer Screening Dye

Using an oral cancer screening dye is a simple and quick process that helps your dentist spot any abnormal cells in your mouth. Here are the steps:

1. The patient is given a special blue dye to rinse and swish around the mouth.
2. After rinsing, the dye is spat out.
3. The dentist then examines the inside of your mouth.
4. Any abnormal cells will absorb the dye and appear darker than the surrounding healthy tissue.
5. If any areas are flagged, your dentist may recommend additional tests or a biopsy to investigate further.

Oral Cancer Screening Device

One of the most effective tools used in a screening test for oral cancer is a special device, such as the Velscope or Identafi. These devices use light technology to highlight abnormal tissue in the mouth that may not be visible to the naked eye. Here’s how they work:

Velscope

• Emits a blue light that causes healthy tissues to fluoresce naturally.
• Abnormal tissues, like those affected by cancer, will appear darker or non-fluorescent under this light.
• It helps detect tissue changes beneath the surface that aren’t visible during a regular exam.
• It has shown up to 90-95% sensitivity in detecting suspicious oral lesions, making it an effective tool for spotting potential issues early on.

Identafi

• Uses multiple wavelengths of light to examine tissues.
• Normal tissue reflects and absorbs light differently than cancerous or pre-cancerous tissue, making abnormalities easier to identify.
• Identafi combines white, violet, and amber light to highlight suspicious areas with precision.
• offers 88-90% sensitivity in detecting abnormal tissue, making it highly effective for early detection of oral cancer.

Benefits

• The process takes just a few minutes and doesn’t cause discomfort.
• These devices allow for earlier detection of potentially cancerous lesions, even when they appear normal under standard lighting.
• They improve the accuracy of visual exams and help dentists make better decisions regarding further testing or biopsies.

Screening Test for Oral Cancer in Minnesota

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear before taking action. Early detection is key to successful treatment. At Long Lake Family Dentistry, we offer a comprehensive screening test for oral cancer as part of our commitment to keeping you healthy. Whether you’re a new patient or just need your routine check-up, visit us to learn more and schedule your appointment.

Conclusion

A screening test for oral cancer is a fast, painless process that can save lives. With simple tests and cutting-edge tools like dyes and devices, your dentist can catch any early signs of cancer. Early diagnosis means easier treatment, higher success rates, and peace of mind.

Schedule your screening today at Long Lake Family Dentistry and take control of your oral health!

FAQs

Can UV light detect oral cancer?

UV light devices, like the Velscope, can help highlight abnormal tissue, which may indicate oral cancer.

What blood test shows oral cancer?

Currently, there isn’t a specific blood test for oral cancer. Diagnosis is mainly done through visual exams, biopsies, and imaging.

How do you diagnose oral cancer early?

Early diagnosis happens through regular oral cancer screenings by your dentist, where abnormal growths or patches are checked and tested further if necessary.