Although the early stages of oral cancer can fly under the radar to the untrained eye, oral cancer symptoms can become painful and potentially dangerous. When was your last preventive oral cancer screening?
Taking a moment to schedule an oral cancer screening could save your life. At Dental Care of Lombard in Lombard, IL, Dr. Julie Glud advocates undergoing an annual oral cancer screening to ensure the early detection of potentially cancerous cells.
Why is early detection important?
Early detection means finding cancerous cells before they have a chance to cause symptoms. The National Cancer Institute recommends experiencing oral cancer screenings before symptoms develop because early detection can help a person live longer. Also, early detection can lower the risk of passing from oral cancer.
What tools and tests are used during an oral cancer screening?
Your provider might use specialized devices and examinations to complete the oral cancer screening. Usually, here’s what you can expect:
- Oral Lesion Screening: Your oral care provider combines a specialized mouth rinse and visual inspection to check for cancerous signs.
- Enhanced Oral Assessment System Tool: Your dentist or dental hygienist identifies suspicious tissues at the back of your throat and oral surfaces with fluorescent light and other tools.
- Oral Brush Biopsy: Your dental team member comfortably withdraws cells for further testing.
What happens during an oral cancer screening appointment?
Generally, an oral cancer screening is relatively quick and straightforward. Here’s more information on this two-part exam:
Part One: The Visual Exam
During this annual screening, an oral care provider inspects the significant body parts for oral cancer, including the following:
- Face
- Neck
- Lips
- Upper and lower jaws
- cheeks
- Oral cavity
- Inside the nose
Prepare to open your mouth wide, stick out your tongue, and say, “ahhhhh.” While looking inside the mouth, a dental professional utilizes familiar tools, such as a tongue depressor, light, and mirror, to check all areas of the mouth and throat which otherwise might be challenging to see.
Furthermore, he or she searches for signs of:
- Ulcerations (mouth sores)
- Asymmetry
- Swelling
- Bumps
- Lumps
- Patches of discoloration
- Other signs of abnormality
Part Two: The Physical Exam
The Oral Cancer Foundation mentions that human touch is vital to finding cancer-causing abnormalities. Aside from the visual exam, your dental team member will feel your face and neck as well as the insides of your lips and cheeks for signs of pre-cancerous tissue changes or potential signs of cancer. Moreover, a tactile inspection helps your dental professional discover unusual masses, patches, or nodules.
What might happen after an oral cancer screening?
Typically, oral cancer screenings are preventive, not diagnostic. The good news is that your dental team might not find any signs of cancer, and we recommend that you return annually for additional oral cancer screening.
On the other hand, if an oral care provider finds abnormal cells during an oral cancer screening, he or she might refer you to further testing to determine if you should be worried about oral cancer or not. In nearly any case, early detection is one of the most highly regarded tools for defeating cancer.
How can I schedule an oral cancer screening in Lombard, IL?
It’s normal to feel a little nervous about oral cancer. But regular oral cancer screenings might help you feel more secure about your health. Dispel your doubts, and schedule an oral cancer screening with Dr. Glud by calling 630-629-5700 or messaging us online.
