Examining the mouth, lips, and throat
Oral cancer screening is a process of examining the mouth, lips, and throat for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions. The goal is to detect oral cancer at an early stage when it is more treatable and has a greater chance of a successful outcome.
During a screening, a dentist will examine your mouth looking for any abnormalities such as sores, red or white patches, or lumps. They may also feel your neck to check for any swelling or lumps.
Oral cancer screening is typically recommended for people who are at high risk of developing oral cancer such as those who smoke or use tobacco products, consume excessive amounts of alcohol, or have a history of oral cancer. However, it is important to note that anyone can develop oral cancer, so regular checkups are a good idea for everyone.