The term “oral cancer” can be scary in itself. While oral cancer is a serious condition, early detection can increase your chances of a successful treatment. In 2024, Arizona continues to see a rising trend in oral cancer cases. According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, oral cancer incidence rates vary across the state.
To avoid being a part of the alarming statistics, you must visit your dentist for regular screenings. Oral cancer screenings should be done at least once a year. According to the National Institute of Dental Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), patients diagnosed with oral cancer survive for more than five years, especially when the condition is caught early.
In this blog, you will learn about the significance of oral cancer screening. Meanwhile, if you suspect you have the symptoms, visit your general dentist in Scottsdale, AZ, immediately.
What happens during an oral cancer screening process?
An oral cancer screening is the process of determining whether the various parts of your mouth and throat show any signs of cancer. The screening process in Arizona is quick and painless and can be included with your regular dental check-ups. Here is what you can expect:
- The dentist will typically do a visual exam where they will inspect your mouth, tongue, lips, cheeks, and throat for abnormalities. Sores, lumps, and discoloration are often signs of concern.
- Apart from your oral cavity, the dentist will also feel your neck and jaw area to check for lumps or masses that seem unusual.
Signs and symptoms
Oral or mouth cancer is not just a problem concerning your teeth and gums. Oral cancer can happen in your lips, tongue, throat, salivary glands, pharynx, and sinuses. Since early detection is necessary to protect your life, visit your dentist as soon as you notice these symptoms persisting:
- Persistent sores on the mouth or lips that do not heal.
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth.
- Pain or tenderness in the mouth, lips, or tongue.
- Lumps or thickened areas in the cheek, gums, or other areas.
- Pain in the ear without hearing loss.
- Chronic hoarseness or change in voice.
- Persistent bad breath.
Limitations of oral cancer screenings
Like any other dental procedure, oral cancer screenings are not without limitations.
First of all, one screening can lead to additional tests. Many people have sores in their mouths, but not all of these cases are cancerous. An oral exam cannot determine whether a sore is cancerous or not. If your dentist finds a sore and suspects it to be cancerous, you will need to undergo additional tests. In the end, it could turn out to be noncancerous.
Secondly, oral cancer is not always effective in detecting mouth cancers. During a regular check-up, a dentist typically checks by looking at your mouth and touching your neck and jaw. However, this may not be enough to detect small cancers or precancerous lesions.
Finally, oral cancer screenings are not proven to save lives. This is not to scare you, but early detection can only increase your chances of a successful treatment, but it does not guarantee one. There is also no fool-proof way to prevent oral cancer.
Who should get oral cancer screening?
According to the American Dental Association, everyone should start getting oral cancer screenings at least once a year from the age of 18. However, some individuals are at a higher risk and may need frequent checks. These include:
- Smokers and tobacco users, as tobacco significantly increases the risk.
- Heavy alcohol drinkers are at high risk as well.
- HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is found to be linked with oral cancer.
Get checked today!
If you are worried about being diagnosed with oral cancer, you are not alone. With the statistics being so scary for Arizona, it is normal to feel afraid. While there is no guaranteed prevention for oral cancer, everyone should do their part to protect themselves. Practice a good oral hygiene routine and visit your dentist today!
