5 Things to Expect before Undergoing an Oral Cancer Screening

In medicine, prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, undergoing various health screenings or exams should help deter possible health risks in the future. However, there are instances when people do not know what to expect during these procedures, making them scared.

For example, getting an oral cancer screening is a way to see if oral cancer is likely to develop in the mouth or not. The screening’s name is already intimidating on its own. But not knowing what happens makes it more nerve-wracking. But what should people expect during the screening? Here are some ideas.

1. Visual Exam

The first part of the screening is visual, meaning the dentist will examine the mouth visually. They will look for any signs of oral cancer and other abnormalities within the mouth. Dentists will check for patches or sores on the lips, gums, and tongue.

Dentists will use a few tools like a popsicle stick, a light, and a dentist's mirror. Visual exams can look like regular physical exams. However, the difference is that it focuses on the mouth instead of the entire body.

2. Physical Exam

The second part of the screening is the physical exam. The dentist will check the mouth with their hands and fingers to feel any lumps or sores. Dentists will usually check the neck and head area as well. 

The physical exam is an important part of the screening process because it allows the dentist to feel for any lumps or sores that may be present. Touch is a crucial part of Oral Cancer screening as it is the best way to spot abnormalities in the mouth. 

3. Oral Screening Dye

The third part of the screening is the oral screening dye. Dentists will apply a particular stain to the inside of the mouth, and it will help to highlight any abnormal areas of the mouth. They will then look for any areas of the mouth that are discoloured or have abnormal patterns.

4. Biopsy

The dentist may perform a biopsy if any abnormal areas are found during the screening process. The process involves taking a small sample of tissue from the mouth to be sent to a laboratory for testing, and the only way to determine if the area sampled is cancerous.

If the biopsy returns positive for cancer, your dentist will refer you to a specialist for further treatment. Treatment for oral cancer usually involves surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

5. Follow-Up Checkup

After the screening and biopsy, if no cancerous areas are found, your dentist will schedule a follow-up checkup in 6 months. If any suspicion or problems arise during the follow-up visit, the dentist will refer you to another specialist for further testing.

Oral cancer can be a severe condition, but it can be treated if caught early. Therefore, it’s essential to have regular checkups with your dentist to ensure that you don’t have any problems. Do not fear screenings and other health exams, as you can benefit from them.

Conclusion

Oral cancer screenings are quick, noninvasive, and painless. They can be done during your regular dental checkup and usually only take a few minutes. If you are worried about oral cancer or think you might be at risk, talk to your dentist about getting screened. The earlier it’s caught, the easier it is to treat.

MobileDent is a mobile dental company offering dental hygiene services in Toronto. We aim to bring the benefits of oral health care closer to more people. Turning our approach into in-home service made it much easier for patients to open up and commit to a dental cleaning. Learn more about our full-service list by browsing our website today.