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Oral Cancer Screening

Three to five minutes that may save your life

It's a fact that oral cancer is most frequently discovered in its later stages, when the survival rate is only 20-30%. This is largely because in its early stages it may be painless, and may not present symptoms that you might notice. Gentle Dental and its affiliated dentists recognize the importance of early oral cancer detection and included visual and tactile screening for oral cancer during all exams.

Early detection through opportunistic screenings

Gentle Dental affiliated providers are working to increase the number of cases caught in the earliest, highly survivable stages of the cancer. All family members over 18 should be screened at least yearly. We recommend more frequent screenings when patients engage in known risk factors such as tobacco use. The screening is a simple, painless, 3-5 minute exam.

In addition to twice yearly routine dental exams and cleanings, check with your dentist promptly if you or your family members experience any of the following possible signs of oral cancer:

• A sore that does not heal within 14 days
• An unusual lump or discoloration of the tissues inside the mouth
• Any unusual pain or difficulty in chewing, speaking, or swallowing
• Wart like masses in the mouth
• Prolonged hoarseness
• Numbness in the mouth or facial region

Take Care

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, of the 34,000 new cases of oral cancer diagnosed each year, only half will be alive in five years — a number which has not significantly improved in decades. This is largely because oral cancer is most frequently discovered in its later stages, typically when it has grown and spread to a more readily noticeable region outside the mouth, such as the lymph nodes of the neck. The good news is that a simple exam can catch things even as a pre-cancer, when its removal requires the least invasive procedures, and long term impact is minimal.