Oral Cancer: Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment

According to the American Cancer Society, over 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed annually in the United States, with more than 7,000 deaths resulting each year. The encouraging news is that oral cancer can be detected early through a routine oral cancer exam, and treatment is highly effective when caught in its initial stages.

Understanding Oral Cancer

Oral cancer begins as a largely asymptomatic condition, meaning early signs may be subtle or unnoticed. This underscores the importance of regular screenings by your dentist. Oral cancers can vary in type, including teratoma, adenocarcinoma, and melanoma, with malignant squamous cell carcinoma being the most common. This form typically originates in the tissues of the lips and mouth.

Common areas where oral cancers may develop include:

  • Lips
  • Mouth
  • Tongue
  • Salivary glands
  • Oropharyngeal region (throat)
  • Gums
  • Face

Why Oral Cancer Exams Are Important

Approximately 75% of oral cancers are linked to modifiable lifestyle factors, such as smoking, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption. Your dentist can provide education and resources for smoking cessation and healthier lifestyle choices.

Early detection significantly increases the effectiveness of treatment. Any unusual changes in the mouth, tongue, gums, or surrounding areas should be evaluated promptly.

During an oral cancer exam, the dentist and dental hygienist carefully assess the oral and maxillofacial regions for pathologic changes. Key warning signs they look for include:

  • Red patches or sores: Persistent red or white patches, slow-healing sores, or areas that bleed easily.
  • Leukoplakia: Hardened white or gray lesions that can appear anywhere in the mouth and may become cancerous if untreated.
  • Lumps or thickened tissue: Any swelling, lumps, or tissue thickening in the mouth or throat that could indicate a problem.

Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Oral cancer exams are painless and non-invasive. The dentist conducts a thorough visual inspection, palpates the face, glands, and neck for abnormalities, and may use specialized lasers to detect lesions below the surface that aren’t visible to the naked eye.

If suspicious areas are identified, the dentist will develop a diagnostic and treatment plan. In some cases, a biopsy may be performed to determine the exact stage and type of the lesion. Oral cancer is considered present when malignant cells breach the basement membrane of the epithelium. Malignant lesions can spread, making early diagnosis critical.

Treatment may include:

  • Surgical excision
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy

During regular bi-annual check-ups, the dentist and hygienist will look for changes in oral tissues. However, a comprehensive oral cancer screening should be performed at least once a year.

For questions or concerns about oral cancer, please contact our practice to schedule an appointment.