Oral cancer screenings are an integral part of safeguarding your long-term health, since many mouth changes can occur without any discomfort. At Prostho Endo Dental Group, we provide oral cancer screenings that we treat just like any other exam while providing care. During your appointment, we’ll be examining your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, palate, throat region, and other soft oral tissues. For those in North Bethesda, MD, these screenings will serve as reassurance, an educational opportunity, and an additional means to evaluate potential issues.
The Importance Of Early Detection
No matter your age, demographics, or medical history, everyone is at risk for oral cancer. Many assume they will know when something is very wrong; however, the initial warning signs of oral cancer may seem innocuous at the time. A small ulcer, patch of discoloration, abnormal tissue growth, or sore in the mouth may initially seem not urgent enough for concern, though these changes are worthy of professional evaluation if they do not resolve.
The earlier a case of oral cancer can be identified, the better the chance for improved outcomes. Although a screening is not in and of itself diagnostic for cancer, it does aid in deciding if something is suspicious and should be observed, evaluated again, or referred for further testing. This makes screening a valuable preventive service in its own right, rather than merely a diagnostic procedure.
Comprehensive Screening As Part Of Complete Care
We incorporate oral cancer screenings seamlessly as part of the more complete assessment of your oral health. As a comprehensive dental practice, our doctors will always assess your oral and dental health in the context of your history, risk factors, concerns, and symptoms. In our practice, this involves restorative and specialty care, so we will remain vigilant for oral changes that might affect your overall health, function, and treatment options.
A thorough screening will likely involve a visual examination, soft tissue palpation, inquiry about symptoms, review of symptoms, discussion of lifestyle and relevant medical factors, and possibly x-rays depending on the needs of the specific situation. Although soft tissue is usually evaluated by clinical exam, x-rays are valuable to further assess other elements of your dental situation.
Risk Factors & Warning Signs To Look For
Oral cancer screenings are recommended for everyone; however, some of us have greater risk factors. Those at higher risk include people who use tobacco, alcohol abusers, those with a history of oral sores, certain viral infections, and those who have significant sun exposure. Age is also a factor, but even young adults should evaluate changes that persist.
Some of the warning signs include the following:
- Mouth sores that are not healing
- Red, white, or mixed patches on the tongue, mouth, and palate
- Lump or growth
- Persistent hoarseness and difficulty swallowing
- Persistent discomfort, bleeding, and/or numbness
- A change in the sensation of dental implants, bridges, partials, full dentures, or other appliances.
These symptoms are not always indicative of a problem; however, they should always be evaluated if they are persistent.
Examining Soft Tissue Changes
The mouth comprises multiple soft tissue types that may each react differently to irritants, diseases, traumas, and systemic factors. For instance, sores in the cheek might be due to biting, but gum changes might be due to periodontitis or another medical disorder. Screening is used to distinguish between the two and differentiate them.
While conducting an oral cancer screening, your doctor may be looking for color, shape, size, surface texture, elevation, border definition, etc. They may ask how long the change has been there, whether it has increased, and whether the change is uncomfortable. This process allows us to help determine what to do next and doesn’t create false alarms.
Why Regular Oral Cancer Screening Is Helpful
Regular oral cancer screening is useful in that it is consistent. Your dental team can get to know you if you are coming to your regular visits and know what is typically normal, so they would be able to notice if a change or new change appeared.
Patients may think of dental exams as just about teeth and gums, but oral health is more than teeth and gums. A screening may detect issues in the tongue, floor of the mouth, cheeks, throat, lips, and palate, and may be especially important for patients who require dental restoration, prosthetics, implants, or endodontic treatment.
Screening For Oral Cancer At A Preventive Exam
A screening for oral cancer could happen at a preventive dental exam, where you may be screened before any symptoms bother you. While the dental team will be looking at your teeth and gums, they will also naturally be able to look at other soft areas in the mouth.
This can be especially helpful if you don’t typically schedule an appointment for something you think is minor. You may bring up a spot, sore, or change during your cleaning or check-up that can be assessed and then be told whether it seems like irritation, whether to continue to watch it, or whether it could be something to be examined more closely. Patients in North Bethesda, MD, can know that their preventive care looks at more than cavities and periodontal disease.
If An Exam May Be Required
If something seems suspicious, has not been resolved in a good amount of time, has changed in size or appearance, or has no visible cause, an exam may be required to examine it more closely. That does not mean it is cancer. It means that it may be something that can be examined further.
That may be another follow-up exam, documentation, referral to an oral specialist, or, if needed, a biopsy. Prostho Endo Dental Group will communicate the next steps and help patients understand why that is the next step and what is expected.
Addressing Oral Cancer Screening With Early Intervention
It is easy to start by paying attention and asking. A patient shouldn’t wait months to ask about a sore, patch, lump, or change that feels like something unusual. Even if it is something minor, it is good to ask. It can reassure, and it can prevent delay.
Also, a healthy patient can have some of these issues under control. Good dental habits, avoiding tobacco, avoiding too much alcohol, wearing lip protection, and monitoring your mouth all help. When the patient and the dental professional are involved, concerns can be recognized more quickly and addressed more thoughtfully.
Get Prosthodontic & Endodontic Care At Prostho Endo Dental Group
Prostho Endo Dental Group can provide careful oral cancer screening in a patient-centered approach that reflects the practice and team’s goal for patient care. The dental team understands that a patient may feel worried if they notice something different in their mouth and will try their best to make things clear and to provide the right next steps.
With preventive care in combination with restorative or specialty needs, Prostho Endo Dental Group can help patients feel good about their oral health and beyond. If you are coming for your next dental exam or you have noticed a change in your mouth, a screening for oral cancer can be an easy step to be more involved and aware of your health.