What an Oral Cancer Screening Checks at a Dental Visit

What does an oral cancer screening check?

An oral cancer screening checks the places where oral cancer can start, looking for signs that something is wrong. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) says that during the exam, your dentist or dental hygienist will check your face, neck, lips, entire mouth, and the back of the throat for possible signs of cancer.

NIDCR defines oral cancer as cancers of the mouth and the back of the throat. They can develop on the tongue, on the tissue lining the mouth and gums, under the tongue, at the base of the tongue, and in the area of the throat at the back of the mouth. The exam is a screening, not a diagnosis. A screening looks for signs. Tests confirm or rule out cancer.

Why does early detection matter?

NIDCR says that because oral cancer can spread quickly, early detection is important. An oral cancer exam can detect early signs of cancer. It takes only a few minutes. NIDCR also says your regular dental check-up is an excellent opportunity to have the exam, so it often fits inside a routine visit. See our oral cancer screening entry for a short definition.

What does the dentist look and feel for?

NIDCR names the areas, not a step-by-step checklist. The mouth itself includes the tongue, the lining of the mouth and gums, and the area under the tongue. NIDCR’s list of symptoms shows what changes can matter:

NIDCR says to see a dentist or doctor if you have any of these symptoms for more than two weeks. Do not wait for your next check-up if one of these signs lasts.

Many mouth changes have common causes, such as a canker sore. A white patch, called leukoplakia, can have different causes. Your dentist is the one to judge what a change means.

What happens if the dentist sees something unusual?

NIDCR says that if the dentist finds anything unusual, the dentist will recommend additional tests or refer you to another provider. One common test is a biopsy, in which a small piece of tissue is removed and studied. Your dentist will explain which steps apply to you.

An unusual finding does not mean you have cancer. It means more information is needed. Ask your dentist what the finding looks like, how soon follow-up should happen, and who will contact you with results.

What if tests find cancer?

That is a question for your medical team. NIDCR says oral cancer is treated with surgery and possibly radiation therapy or chemotherapy, and that cancer found later may need a combination of treatments. The choice depends on your general health, where in the mouth or throat the cancer began, the size and type of the tumor, and whether it has spread.

Dental care still matters. NIDCR says oral cancer and its treatment can cause dental problems, so it is important that your mouth is in good health before cancer treatment begins. It suggests a thorough dental exam one month, if possible, before treatment starts, to give your mouth time to heal after any dental work.

Who has a higher risk of oral cancer?

NIDCR lists these risk factors:

• Tobacco. Tobacco use of any kind, including cigarettes, pipes, cigars, electronic cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and snuff.
• Alcohol. Heavy alcohol use. Using both tobacco and alcohol increases the risk even further.
• HPV. Infection with human papillomavirus, specifically the HPV 16 type, has been linked to oral cancers.
• Age. Oral cancers most often occur in people over the age of 40.
• Sun exposure. Cancer of the lip can be caused by sun exposure.
• Diet and genes. A diet low in fruits and vegetables has been linked to higher risk, and people with certain inherited gene defects have a high risk.

NIDCR says most cancers in the mouth are related to tobacco use, drinking alcohol, or both, and most throat cancers are caused by HPV. It also reports that oral cancer accounts for roughly three percent of all cancers diagnosed each year in the United States, and that it affects more than twice as many men as women.

Having a risk factor does not mean you will get oral cancer. Tell your dentist about your history so the exam fits you.

What should I expect during the exam?

NIDCR says the exam takes only a few minutes. Your dentist or hygienist looks at the areas named above, often during the same visit as your cleaning or check-up. You can ask the person doing the exam to explain what they are looking at as they go.

NIDCR does not set a schedule for how often to be screened. How often is a question for your dentist, who knows your age, your habits, and your history. If you use tobacco or drink alcohol heavily, say so, because NIDCR lists both as risks.

How should I prepare?

You do not need to do anything special. It helps to:

1. Tell your dentist about any sore or patch that has lasted more than two weeks.
2. Mention tobacco, vaping, or alcohol use.
3. Note any numbness, lumps, or trouble swallowing.
4. Ask how often you should be screened.

Read what a visit includes in our guide on what to expect at a dental visit.

Next step

Town Center Dental’s oral cancer screening page gives the office’s own description. A screening can be part of a dental exam. Call (636) 273-5866 or request an appointment, and your dentist will talk with you about what to expect.