Oral Cancer Screening

An oral exam for the screening of oral cancer can and may be performed during a routine dental appointment. Catching any irregularities early on means a better chance for a cure. Your dentist will look for white or red patches or sores on the mouth during the oral exam.

It is common for people to have abnormal sores in their mouths; however, they are usually not cancerous. The oral exam will not be able to ascertain if a sore is cancerous, but if your dentist finds a sore, a biopsy may be processed.

Considerations of Oral Cancer Screening

It is advised that patients with a higher risk or oral cancer consider undergoing oral cancer screening. Those factors that cause an increase in the risk of oral cancer include the following:

• Tobacco use – any kind – cigarettes, pipes, chewing tobacco, cigars, etc.
• High alcohol consumption
• A prior oral cancer diagnosis.