Oral cancer screening is done to examine your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer. Oral cancer is a disease resulting from abnormal cell growth in the mouth, lips, tongue or throat
Signs and symptoms
- White or dark red patches in your mouth, or on your lips or tongue.
- Lumps or changes in the texture or colour of the mouth tissues.
- Bleeding or numbness in the mouth; sores or patches that do not heal.
- Difficulty swallowing; changes in taste or tongue sensation.
- The actual cause of oral cancer is not known but risk factors include:
- Consumption of tobacco products (cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, etc.).
- Heavy alcohol consumption (It is especially dangerous to combine smoking and alcohol.)
- Prolonged, repeated exposure of the lips to the sun.
- Poor diet; genetics and gender (more men develop the disease than women.)
- A history of leukoplakia – a thick, whitish-colour patch inside the mouth.
Diagnosis and treatment
- Treatment depends on the severity and location of the disease, as well as the age and health of the patient. If oral cancer is suspected:
- A biopsy (surgical removal and microscopic examination) of the suspicious area may be taken.
- Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultra sounds, CT scans or MRIs may be taken.
- Chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery may be necessary to remove tumor(s).
To help prevent oral cancer:
- See your dentist regularly for dental exams and ask about oral cancer screenings.
- Stop using tobacco products – ask your dentist about tools to help you quit.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
- Limit sun exposure and use U/V protective lip balms.
- Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables.
- Check your mouth regularly for signs or symptoms and report any changes in your mouth to your dentist right away.