Oral cancer describes any cancer that develops in the mouth, sinuses, or throat. Early intervention increases the success of treating oral cancer, and your dentist can screen for the disease during a dental exam. Learn more about oral cancer and screenings in the following guide so you know when to seek help.

Risk Factors

While oral cancer primarily affects people over the age of 40, it’s being diagnosed among young people with increasing frequency. This is largely because of the human papilloma virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease that can produce cancerous growths in the throat. Also at higher risk are smokers, moderate or heavy drinkers, and those who spend large amounts of time in the sun and neglect sunscreen application around the mouth and lips.

Signs

Mouth or throat sores that don't go away are among the most common signs of oral cancer. Red or white spots, pain or tenderness, or lumps anywhere in the mouth or throat are also indicative of the disease. If a growth impairs the mouth’s function or position, you might experience difficulty chewing or swallowing. Your teeth may also not align properly when closing your mouth.

What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening

An oral cancer screening is a painless process that can detect signs of the disease. During the screening, the dentist will do a visual exam of the mouth, throat, and neck, looking for any abnormalities, irritations, or growths. They will then use their fingers to gently press around the inside of the mouth and around the throat to feel for lumps. If signs are present, the dentist might utilize a high-powered light or dye to get a better look at any areas of concern and order a biopsy of the affected tissue.

Stephanie ML Wong, DMD offers comprehensive oral cancer screenings to patients throughout the Honolulu, HI, area. She also provides a wide range of family dentistry services, including preventative treatments such as exams, tooth fillings, and crowns. For her personalized care, she was named one of the Best Dentists in Hawaii by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. To schedule an oral cancer screening, call (808) 732-3072 or visit her website today.