Oral cancers can affect any part of your oral cavity, which includes the mouth and lips, tongue and area beneath the tongue, the hard palate, and the cheek lining. Your dentist may also check your throat for cancer when performing a Oral cancer screening. Oral cancer screenings are painless and only take a few moments. Your hygienist will examine your mouth visually and feel your jaw and neck to look for any signs of oral cancer.
It is best that you visit your dentist for routine cleanings and check-ups, typically every 3-4 months. This ensures that they can catch changes in your oral health quickly, making the cancer more easy to treat. You can also help by keeping track of any unusual signs and symptoms that linger for more than two weeks. Notify your dentist immediately if you notice anything unusual.Symptoms of oral or throat cancerThe symptoms of oral or throat cancer can be deceiving, so it's important to be aware of the signs. If you notice any of the following symptoms lingering on for more than a week or two, notify your dentist immediately:
Factors that increase the risk of oral cancer
Researchers have identified a number of risk factors that can increase your chances of being diagnosed with oral or throat cancer. Patients who drink alcohol to excess or who smoke and are over 50 years old have the greatest risk of cancer. The human papilloma virus (HPV) has also been shown to be associated with oral and throat cancer in non-smoking adults as well. HPV-positive cancers are more difficult to detect than other oral cancers because they develop near the base of the tongue and around the tonsils. However, though they tend to be diagnosed at a later stage, HPV-positive cancers have a better survival rate and lower risk of recurrence.
This information was provided by ADA. Find more information about Oral Cancer screenings here.
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