Oral cancer screenings should occur at least annually.
An estimated 58,450 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2024, and about 12,230 people will die from the disease. Oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer have an average age of 64 for diagnosis. However, younger people can also get oral cancer, with just over 20% of cases occurring in people under the age of 55.
At Durango Dental, our experienced team has the expertise to identify and assist in treating oral cancer. We are dedicated to helping diagnose the disease as soon as possible to help improve the treatment’s success. That's why we offer free oral cancer screenings with every dental exam.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is cancer that begins in the mouth (oral cavity) and can also include oropharyngeal cancer or cancer of the throat. It can develop on the tongue or at the base of the tongue, the lining of the mouth and gums, and the throat area at the back of the mouth.
The symptoms of oral cancer include:
- A growth or lump in the mouth
- A sore on the lip or mouth that won't heal
- Difficulty or pain when swallowing
- Ear pain
- Loose teeth
- Mouth pain
- White or reddish patches in the mouth
Who Is At Risk for Oral Cancer?
Several factors can affect whether you are at risk for oral cancer. Some of these contributing factors include:
Age
Older people are more likely to develop oral cancer. Over time, their cells accumulate more damage, and their immune systems are generally not as strong as they once were.
A weakened immune system
Those with a weaker immune system may be more likely to get oral cancer because their bodies can’t fight back against abnormal cells.
Diet and weight
A poor diet or excess weight can cause metabolic and endocrine abnormalities that stimulate cell growth and lead to cancer.
HPV
Human papillomavirus is thought to be associated with oral cancer.
Smoking and drinking alcohol
Both smoking and drinking damage cells in the throat and mouth, leading to oral cancer.
Sun exposure
Excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of developing oral cancer on the lips.
It is important to be aware of these risk factors. However, no one is immune to oral cancer. Even if you are less likely to get it than some other people, there's still a possibility you could develop it. Regular checks for oral cancer signs are still recommended, regardless of age or circumstances.
Our Oral Cancer Screening Process
Our oral cancer screenings are part of every dental exam. Dentists are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of oral cancer to aid in early detection.
Your screening will begin with a consultation with your hygienist and Dr. Belt to discuss your health history and any concerns you might have. They will then both perform a visual and physical exam to check for anything unusual. We can also perform advanced imaging and screening using advanced technology to provide further insights.
After you have been examined, we will follow up on your results. If anything concerning has been identified, we will discuss what has been found and what steps come next.
Benefits of Early Detection
Detecting oral cancer as early as possible has some excellent benefits. The sooner it is identified, the better the survival rates are. When oral cancer is diagnosed while still localized (it hasn't spread), there is an 86.3% 5-year survival rate. This percentage decreases to 40% for more advanced diagnoses.
Early detection means there are more treatment options available, too. Treatment options for oral cancer include:
Surgery: Surgery can be used to help remove the tumor and reconstruct the mouth
Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells and may be used after surgery or on its own
Chemotherapy: Chemicals are used to kill cancer cells through chemotherapy drugs
Targeted drug therapy: Certain drugs can be used to target aspects of cancer cells that fuel their growth
Immunotherapy: Encourages your immune system to fight cancer (usually for people with advanced cancer)
When diagnosed early, oral cancer can still respond to less invasive treatment procedures. Early treatment can ultimately result in a better quality of life.
FAQs About Oral Cancer Screenings
How often should I get an oral cancer screening?
Is an oral cancer screening painful?
No, oral cancer screenings aren't painful.
What should I do if my dentist finds something suspicious?
If your dentist finds something, they will discuss the next steps with you and can refer you to an oncologist for further testing.
There's no guaranteed way to prevent oral cancer, but making healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce your risk. Avoid smoking and heavy drinking, practice safe sex (to help prevent HPV), and get regular cancer screenings.
Oral cancer can be successfully treated and has an excellent survival rate when detected early.
What is the survival rate for oral cancer?
It depends. There is over a 90% chance of surviving at least five years after discovering early-stage oral cancer on the lip.
Schedule a Screening Today
Contact Durango Dental today to schedule your free oral cancer screening.