Oral Cancer Screening: Oral cancer screening is a routine examination performed by dentists or dental professionals to detect signs of oral cancer or precancerous conditions in the mouth, lips, throat, and surrounding tissues. Here’s an overview of oral cancer screening:

1. Visual Examination: During a routine dental check-up, the dentist or dental hygienist visually inspects the oral cavity, lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, palate, and throat for any abnormalities, such as red or white patches, sores, lumps, or lesions.
2. Physical Examination: The dentist may palpate (feel) the tissues in the oral cavity and neck area to detect any areas of tenderness, swelling, or unusual firmness that may indicate underlying pathology.
3. Use of Specialized Tools: In some cases, dentists may use specialized tools or devices to aid in the oral cancer screening process, such as:
   • Oral Cancer Screening Devices: Certain devices, such as VELscope or ViziLite, use fluorescence or light-based technology to identify abnormal tissue changes that may not be visible to the naked eye.
   • Oral Brush Biopsy: If suspicious lesions are detected, the dentist may perform an oral brush biopsy to collect cells from the lesion for further analysis under a microscope.
4. Risk Assessment: The dentist evaluates the patient’s risk factors for oral cancer, such as tobacco use (including smoking and smokeless tobacco), heavy alcohol consumption, sun exposure (for lip cancer), human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, age, gender, and family history of oral cancer.
5. Patient Education: As part of the screening process, the dentist educates the patient about the signs and symptoms of oral cancer, the importance of regular screenings, and lifestyle factors that can reduce the risk of oral cancer, such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and practicing sun protection.
6. Referral for Further Evaluation: If suspicious lesions or abnormalities are detected during the oral cancer screening, the dentist may recommend further evaluation by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or an oral pathologist for biopsy and definitive diagnosis.

Early detection of oral cancer is crucial for successful treatment and improved prognosis. Routine oral cancer screenings can help identify abnormalities at an early stage when treatment is most effective. It’s important for individuals to undergo regular dental check-ups and screenings, especially if they have risk factors for oral cancer. If you notice any changes in your oral tissues or have concerns about oral cancer, it’s essential to consult with a dentist or healthcare professional promptly for evaluation and appropriate management.