Oral cancer ranks as the 13th most frequently diagnosed cancer, according to the Dental Association. It can appear in any area inside or outside the mouth — including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor and roof of the mouth, sinuses, and throat. That’s why regular dental checkups are so crucial. These visits allow our skilled team at DDS Group to carefully screen your mouth for early warning signs. Although oral cancer is uncommon, unless you use tobacco products or have a family history, the risk remains low. Still, it’s wise to bring up any concerns during your next dental visit.
An oral cancer screening is a routine part of every dental appointment. We also guide patients on the importance of seeing their medical doctor if any unusual lumps, bumps, or lesions are found during the screening.
Book OnlineThe screening process begins with a thorough review of your dental and medical history, covering:
- Your overall health, including current medications and allergies.
- Lifestyle habits, especially tobacco use and alcohol consumption details like frequency and duration.
- Any oral pain or discomfort you might be experiencing.
If anything seems concerning, we proceed with a detailed extraoral and intraoral exam, where we:
- Check your head and neck for any asymmetry, tenderness, or swelling.
- Feel the submandibular, neck, and supraclavicular lymph nodes, looking at size, number, tenderness, and mobility.
- Examine the lips and surrounding tissues for any irregularities.
- Carefully inspect all soft tissues inside the mouth, focusing on high-risk areas like the sides and underside of the tongue, floor of the mouth, and soft palate.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Diagnosis and Treatment
At DDS Group, oral cancer screenings involve a detailed look at the entire oral cavity—not just your teeth—to detect any cancerous or precancerous changes early.
When oral cancer is caught early, surgery or radiation therapy usually offers effective treatment. More advanced stages often require a combination of surgery and radiation. In late-stage cases, chemotherapy paired with radiation, sometimes alongside surgery, is the common approach.
Prevention
Preventing oral cancer starts with you. Avoid tobacco in all forms, limit alcohol intake, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and minimize sun exposure—especially on your lips. While sunscreen helps, the best protection is limiting time in the sun altogether.
Also, certain strains of HPV are linked to throat cancers. Practicing safe behaviors and considering the HPV vaccine can lower your risk.