Over 40,000 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed in the US
this year and many more cases will be diagnosed with dysplasia
(pre-cancer). This
includes those cancers that occur in the mouth itself, in the very back of the
mouth known as the oropharynx, and on the exterior lip of the mouth. Oral cancer is the sixth most common type of
cancer in North America. Statistics reveal that more cases of oral cancer are
diagnosed in a year than cervical or ovarian cancer, and more people die from
oral cancer in a year than from melanoma or cervical cancer. Thankfully approximately 84 percent of oral cancer cases
may detected early by a dental professional.
Screening for oral cancer is quick and easy, with
no pain or discomfort involved. It's critical for early diagnosis and
prevention. It takes less than five minutes, and can be done by our dental
hygienist or Dr. Clark. They will be looking for any lumps or
abnormalities, red, white or grey areas and/or tenderness.
What You Can Expect
1. We will physically
examine and inspect the outside and inside of your gums and cheeks, extending
all the way from top to bottom and front to back.
2. We will examine and inspect the floor of your
mouth underneath your tongue and the roof of your mouth.
3. We will touch and inspect your lymph nodes in
your neck and jaw, inside and outside of your lips, your major salivary glands
as well as your jaw joint (TMJ) and the area around your ears.
4. We will visually inspect your face for signs of
asymmetry or swelling.
5. We will pull out your tongue with gauze to
inspect the sides, top and bottom.
6. We’ll have you say “ahhh” in order to inspect the
back of your mouth and throat.
7. If there are any abnormal
findings, a full review of your smoking and/or drinking habits, your lifestyle
and any specific health concerns will be discussed along with a review of the
medications you are taking which could affect the condition of your mouth, head
or neck area.
Performing an oral cancer
self-check
In-between dental visits you can perform a
self-check by doing the following:
1. Purchase an oral mirror available at any
drugstore, this will allow you to inspect your mouth easily.
2. Use a small, bright flashlight that you can
easily move around.
3. Check for any new lumps or bumps or extreme
tenderness anywhere in your mouth. You
can touch the tissue between your thumb and forefinger, or press against your
face from the outside to try and feel for bumps. Press beneath your tongue for the bottom of
your mouth.
4. To check your tongue, grasp it with cloth or
gauze extending your tongue. Say “ahhh”
to check the back of your throat and tongue.
(You may need someone to help you at this point to get a good look at
the back of your throat.)
5. During your exam watch for discolored areas or
spots with unusual texture. After you
have performed a few self-check exams you will be able to tell the difference
between what is normal for you and what is not.
6. If you have any sore spots in your mouth or
throat that do not heal within two weeks, or if you have difficulty swallowing
please contact us immediately.
If you do see something suspicious, it does not
mean you have oral cancer. Only a small number of people with
abnormalities will be diagnosed with oral cancer. However, all
abnormal areas need further investigation to rule out precancerous or cancerous
lesions. This may include a biopsy of the suspicious area.
You can call our office and we will
immediately get you in for an exam.
There is no reason to prolong worry.
Ignoring the problem is NOT THE ANSWER.
This month we are offering free Oral Cancer Exams so it’s a great time
to schedule an appointment and put your mind at ease.
Schedule your FREE
Oral Cancer Exam today!
(541) 451-1440
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