What Happens During An Oral Cancer Screening?

Oral cancer can be treated if detected early. Your dentist can provide a check-up during your regular dental appointments, however, it’s recommended to also undergo a complete oral cancer screening every three to five years.

This is particularly important for patients that have suffered cancer in the past and for those aged 50 and above who are at increased risk of developing cancer. If you’re about to undergo your first oral cancer screening procedure, you likely want to know more about the screening process, so we’re offering our guide in this latest post.

Inspection of the Cheeks and Gums

The oral cancer screening process will include a physical inspection of your cheeks and gums. Your dentist will be checking for abnormalities that might indicate a potential growth, such as lumps or swelling.

Examination of the Mouth Roof and Floor

The dentist will then complete an examination of the floor of your mouth and tongue, as well as the roof. They will be looking for white or red patches or any kind of or abnormalities such as sores or lumps.

Inspection of the Lymph Nodes

The dentist will then inspect the lymph nodes for tenderness and swelling. This is a critical indicator that your immune system is in reaction mode. Your dentist will also inspect the inside and outside of your lips and your jaw joint.

Inspection of the Back of the Mouth

Once the dentist asks you to pull out your tongue and say “ah,” they will be inspecting the back of your mouth for signs of swelling and discolouration. This is an important part of the screening process because many types of oral cancer can begin in this otherwise hidden area of the mouth.

Visual Inspection of Your Face

Your dentist will also conduct a visual inspection of your face during the oral cancer screening process. This process is designed to detect any changes in the symmetry of your face and to check for speech, swallowing, and breathing issues.

Discussion of Your General Habits

During the final part of the oral cancer screening process, your dentist will discuss your general day-to-day habits with you. They’ll ask you whether you’re getting the required amount of exercise for optimal health. They’ll also ask you about your alcohol consumption and tobacco use. This will help guide their future screening procedures and ensure you have the information you need to make healthy choices in the future.

To discover more about the oral cancer screening procedure, give our office a call today. We’re ready to set up your appointment with a member of our team.