Oral cancer accounts for 2.9% of all diagnosed cases of cancer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society it is estimated that 51,000 people across the country will develop oral cancer this year and that 10,000 fatalities are expected from the disease.
Oral cancer can occur anywhere in the orofacial complex but is most often found on the tongue, the tonsils and oropharynx, the gums, floor of the mouth, lips, cheek lining or the hard palate. While the disease can affect anyone, men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer as women. Those particularly at risk for oral cancer are men over the age of 50 who are heavy smokers and frequently drink alcohol. Additional risk factors may include UV exposure from the sun or sunlamps, GERD (gastro-intestinal reflux disease), prior head and neck radiation treatment, exposure to certain chemicals and poor diet. While the death rate from oral cancer has been decreasing in the past several decades thanks to early detection and advanced methods of treatment improving the outcomes of dental and orthodontic care, there has been a recent rise in the incidence of oropharyngeal cancer due to increased transmission of the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV).
As part of a comprehensive exam, the dentist will perform a screening for oral cancer. To start, the dentist will review the patient’s medical and dental histories and ask if there have been any changes to his or her oral health or overall health. The dentist will then carefully check in and around the oral cavity as well as the head and neck area for any signs or symptoms that may indicate the presence of a problem
Oral cancer is a group of cancers that begin in the tissues of the mouth or the oropharynx and can affect the tongue, gums, lips, floor of the mouth, cheek lining and the hard palate. While it represents a minority of all cancers, oral cancer accounts for roughly 2.9% of diagnosed cancer cases in the United States.
According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 51,000 people in the U.S. will develop oral or oropharyngeal cancer in a given year and around 10,000 fatalities are expected; early detection plays a key role in improving outcomes and survival rates.
Several factors increase the risk of oral cancer, including tobacco use (smoking and smokeless tobacco), frequent and heavy alcohol consumption, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light on the lips and a diet low in fruits and vegetables. Men are statistically more likely than women to develop oral cancer, and age—particularly being over 50—has traditionally been associated with higher risk.
Other contributors include prior radiation to the head and neck, chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), exposure to certain industrial chemicals, and infection with high-risk strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), which has been linked to a rising incidence of oropharyngeal cancers.
Common signs to watch for include persistent mouth sores or ulcers that do not heal, red or white patches on the oral tissues, lumps or thickened areas in the mouth or neck, unexplained numbness, and a persistent sore throat or hoarseness. Difficulty chewing or swallowing, ear pain without an ear problem, and unintentional weight loss can also be warning signs that merit evaluation.
Because early oral cancers may cause few symptoms, any persistent change in the tissues of the mouth or throat that lasts more than two weeks should be examined by a dental or medical professional to determine whether further testing is needed.
During a routine exam the clinician will review your medical and dental history and ask about any recent changes in your oral health or overall health. The oral cancer screening itself involves a careful visual and tactile inspection of the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, cheeks, palate and the oropharynx, along with palpation of the neck to check for enlarged lymph nodes or masses.
Some practices may also use adjunctive tools—such as specialized lighting or fluorescence devices—to aid detection, but visual and hands-on examination remains the foundation of screening; if anything appears suspicious, the dentist may recommend observation, further testing or referral for definitive diagnosis. At Bahri Dental Group these steps are integrated into comprehensive exams to ensure timely identification and follow up when needed.
Oral cancer screening is typically performed as part of your regular dental checkup, so frequency generally follows the schedule for routine dental visits recommended by your dentist. For many people this means an exam every six to twelve months, but screening intervals may be individualized based on personal risk factors such as tobacco or alcohol use, a history of head and neck radiation, or previous abnormal findings.
If you fall into a higher-risk category or have new or persistent symptoms, your dentist may recommend more frequent evaluations to monitor any changes and ensure prompt intervention if needed.
If a lesion or abnormal area is identified, your dentist will document the finding, discuss the concern with you and often recommend a follow-up plan that may include observation, adjunctive testing or referral to an oral surgeon, otolaryngologist (ENT) or other specialist. Definitive diagnosis usually requires a biopsy, where tissue is sampled and examined under a microscope to determine whether cancer cells are present.
Additional tests such as imaging or referral for multidisciplinary evaluation may be necessary depending on biopsy results; prompt and coordinated care improves the chance of successful treatment, which is why early communication and referral are important when a suspicious finding arises. At the office of Bahri Dental Group we emphasize clear next steps and timely referrals to appropriate specialists when indicated.
HPV, particularly certain high-risk strains, has been linked to an increasing number of oropharyngeal cancers, but these cancers often arise deeper in the throat and tonsillar region where a visual oral exam can be less sensitive. While a thorough oral and oropharyngeal examination may identify signs suggestive of disease, some HPV-related tumors are not easily seen during a routine dental screen.
Because of this, clinicians consider risk factors, symptoms and clinical findings together, and may refer patients for further evaluation if there are concerns; public health measures such as HPV vaccination and reducing tobacco and alcohol use are important strategies for lowering overall risk.
You can reduce your risk by avoiding tobacco in all forms and limiting alcohol consumption, protecting your lips from excessive sun exposure, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Practicing good oral hygiene and attending regular dental exams for early detection are also important preventive steps.
Additionally, vaccination against HPV can help prevent infections with high-risk viral strains linked to oropharyngeal cancers, and seeking help to quit tobacco or alcohol use is strongly recommended for people who currently use those substances.
An initial oral cancer screening is noninvasive and generally painless; it consists of a visual inspection and gentle palpation of the mouth and neck, which most patients tolerate without discomfort. If the clinician recommends a biopsy to evaluate a suspicious area, that procedure is performed with local anesthesia and may cause mild soreness afterward, but significant pain is uncommon and manageable with standard post-procedure care.
Follow-up testing or specialist consultations vary based on findings; imaging or more extensive procedures may be recommended in some cases, and your provider will explain what to expect and how to prepare if additional evaluation is needed.
Yes, regular self-exams can help you notice changes between professional visits; use a well-lit mirror and inspect all areas of your mouth, tongue and the back of the throat for sores, lumps, white or red patches, asymmetry, or areas that feel different from surrounding tissue. Gently palpate your lips, the inside of your cheeks and the floor of your mouth, and feel along the sides of your neck for any lumps or enlarged glands.
If you discover anything new, persistent for more than two weeks, or causing concern—such as a nonhealing sore, unexplained pain, or difficulty swallowing—contact your dental provider promptly for a clinical evaluation so that any necessary testing or referral can be arranged.
Our goal is to help every patient experience the benefits of good oral health and a beautiful smile. We value the trust you have placed in our office and strive to provide solutions that meet your dental and orthodontic needs and expectations of care.
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