Oral Cancer Screening Willowbrook

Screening for oral cancer is one of the most important functions your dental care professional can perform. The purpose of this screening is to identify cancerous or pre-cancerous conditions while they’re still in the early stages. Like other types of cancer, the prognosis is far better when early detection is a part of the picture. This examination generally takes place during the course of routine dental checkups. Patients who have risk factors such as a genetic history of oral cancer, using tobacco products, and excessive alcohol use may be given additional tests to determine whether abnormal cells are present in the mouth or gums.

Background Screening

If this is your first time seeing a particular dentist, you’ll be asked about your health background, particularly if you have a history of cancer of any type and whether it has occurred in other family members. You may also be asked about lifestyle to determine if risk factors exist. For instance, any type of tobacco use elevated anyone’s chances of developing oral cancer. You’ll also be asked if you’ve had any sores in your mouth or other indications that something may be amiss.

Visual Screening

The first part of an oral cancer screening includes a visual examination of the facial and neck areas, the lips, the inside of the nose, and the inside of the mouth. However, it’s not possible to discern whether cancerous conditions exist from simply looking at the area, so if your dentist notices any unusual sores or growths, you’ll be scheduled for further testing to rule out any serious underlying causes.

Physical Screening

The next step in oral cancer screening is for the dental care professional to perform a physical exam involving touching the areas on the head, cheeks, jaw, neck, and inside the mouth to determine the presence of unusual growths, swelling, or nodules. You’ll also be asked to swallow while the dentist performs an examination of your throat. If anything concerning is found, the dentist will schedule a biopsy.

Please contact our office if you’d like more information on the health benefits of seeing your dentist on a regular basis.