An oral cancer screening is a simple procedure where your dentist checks your mouth for signs of developing oral cancer. Your dentist will check your mouth and throat for sores and patches and for lumps or any other abnormalities. Your dentist may also examine the tissues of your mouth and neck by gentle pressing, and may use special lights and dyes to check the tissues and may suggest you to go for other tests. The stage of cancer at the time of the first treatment directly impacts the success and prognosis of the treatment.
Screening for oral cancer is fast and pain free. It is even possible for your dentist to discover issues that can be treated. Your dentist examines your mouth, tongue, gums, cheeks, and throat in search of abnormal sores, lumps, or discoloration. If further examination is warranted, specialized lights, dyes and/or additional testing will be suggested. It is best for your long term oral and overall health to have any potentially serious issues discovered early.
Dentists may also photograph abnormal spots to better monitor them.
