What Is Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screening refers to techniques used to identify possible early signs of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, early detection of oral cancer drastically increases the five year relative survival rate, which refers to the amount of people who have survived a disease five years after an initial diagnosis. If we see potential signs of oral cancer, we’ll perform further tests to make certain and discuss effective treatment options for your condition, including referring you to a specialist.
Your dentist, Dr. Ye, and the rest of the team at Boston Post Dental & Implants will provide an oral cancer screening during every routine dental exam to help protect you against oral cancer and maintain your oral and overall health. Some of the methods your dentist may use for our oral cancer screenings include the following:
Visual/Tactile Exams – Your dentist will use their hands, as well as tools such as flashlights and microscopes to examine your mouth, face, and throat. Dr. Ye will make note of any visual and tactile signs such as bumps, lesions, rough patches, etc.
X-Rays – X-Rays can help your dentist detect potential signs of cancer beneath the skin. X-Rays are especially helpful in determining if cancer has spread to other parts of the body such as the lungs.
Dye & Light – Dye used in combination with a specially designed light can help your dentist identify potentially cancerous tissues. Your dentist will use the dye to paint the inside of your mouth and the dye will adhere to tissues that contain potentially abnormal cells. Under the light, these potentially abnormal cells will appear a different color than the regular tissues.
