Oral Cancer Screenings

Dentists are uniquely positioned to detect oral cancer that may have otherwise gone unnoticed until the symptoms become advanced. People often do not notice their own oral cancer symptoms or attribute them to something else. Oral cancer screenings in Cohasset, MA, are a regular part of every adult checkup. Fortunately, the disease is exceedingly rare in children.

Oral Cancer is Common 

According to the Mayo Clinic, approximately 54,000 Americans learn that they have oropharyngeal or oral cancer each year. The five-year survival rate for both types of cancer is 57 percent, but it could be much higher if people received a diagnosis in the early stages. The best way to do that is to visit the dentist for regular biannual checkups and ask for a screening if the dentist does not offer one first.

What to Expect 

Oral cancer can also include cancer of the jaw or tongue, as well as inside the mouth. Below are the areas where our dentists check for tumors and other signs of the disease.

• Gums
• The lining of the teeth
• Lips
• Roof and floor of mouth
• Tongue
• Tonsils

Besides completing a visual exam of these parts of your body, our dentist feels for bumps or lumps on or near your face, jaw, and neck. Before the exam begins, let the dentist know if you have seen or felt anything unusual in these areas. Our dentist also uses an oral cancer screening dye and light in your mouth to highlight any abnormalities that may not be visible with a visual exam alone. You must rinse your mouth with fluorescent mouthwash before the dentist uses either the dye or the light.

Next Steps After Completing an Oral Cancer Exam

Your dentist will immediately let you know if any areas look suspicious during the exam. However, only a biopsy can tell you if it is oral cancer. Your dentist will obtain a small amount of cells from the suspected oral cancer spot and send it to pathology. The results of a biopsy can take up to five business days.

Please reach out with additional questions about oral cancer screenings in Cohasset, MA, or to request an appointment.