Oral cancer — which includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, and throat — is highly treatable when caught early. The five-year survival rate drops significantly when it is detected at an advanced stage. This is why the oral cancer screening your dentist performs at every checkup is so important.
What the Screening Involves
An oral cancer screening is a visual and tactile examination of all the soft tissues inside and around your mouth. Your dentist will look for red or white patches, unusual sores, lumps, or other abnormalities, and will gently feel the lymph nodes in your neck. The entire process takes only a few minutes and is painless.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
The primary risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco use (smoking and chewing), heavy alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure (for lip cancer), and infection with certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). However, oral cancer can and does occur in people with none of these risk factors.
Warning Signs to Watch For Between Visits
See your dentist promptly if you notice: a sore in your mouth that does not heal within two weeks, a red or white patch that does not go away, unexplained bleeding, a lump or thickening in the cheek, difficulty swallowing or chewing, or a persistent sore throat. These symptoms do not always indicate cancer, but they should always be evaluated.
The Importance of Regular Check-Ups
Regular dental checkups are one of the most effective tools we have for catching oral cancer early. At Smileworks Dental, every comprehensive exam includes an oral cancer screening. If you have not had a checkup recently, contact us to schedule your appointment in Calgary today.