Early detection for oral cancer saves lives. It is important to get an oral cancer screening and is recommended by the American Cancer Society to be completed at least once a year. At our office we include this in your dental exam at your routine hygiene appointments.
Variations of oral cancer screenings can be done by anyone. You can do self-exams at home by simply looking and feeling for anomalies like sores, lumps or patches in the mouth that do not heal. Dentists are specially trained to screen and detect early signs of oral cancer. This often includes visual and physical exams of the head, mouth and neck areas by palpating the jaw, neck and under the chin to check for enlarged lymph nodes as well as examining the oral tissues for any lumps, color changes or sores.
Some common risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and HPV infection. It is important to have regular communication and checkups with your dentist to maintain your oral health and prevent oral cancer.