Dentists play a significant role in detecting early signs of cancers that can affect the mouth and throat. While “throat cancer” is broad, dentists identify abnormalities related to oral cavity cancers (lips, tongue, cheeks, floor/roof of mouth, gums) and oropharyngeal cancers (back of the throat, tonsils, base of tongue). Regular dental check-ups are an important step for the early detection of these conditions, as they can reveal changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
The Dentist’s Role in Oral and Oropharyngeal Cancer Screening
During a routine dental visit, your dentist performs a comprehensive screening for oral and oropharyngeal cancers. For the visual exam, the dentist inspects the entire inside of your mouth, looking for any unusual red or white patches, sores that do not heal, or changes in tissue texture. These patches, such as leukoplakia (white patches) or erythroplakia (red patches), can sometimes indicate precancerous conditions.
The examination extends to visible parts of the throat, such as the tonsils and back of the throat. Dentists also check for any swelling, lumps, or rough areas. Following the visual inspection, a physical examination is conducted. The dentist uses gloved hands to feel the tissues in your mouth, neck, jaw, and under the chin. This palpation helps detect any unusual lumps, swellings, or enlarged lymph nodes. While dentists screen for signs in the oral cavity and oropharynx, they do not examine deeper parts of the throat like the larynx, which requires specialized medical equipment.
What Happens if a Dentist Finds a Suspicious Area
If a dentist identifies a suspicious area during a screening, it does not automatically mean cancer. However, it indicates the need for further investigation. The dentist will likely recommend a follow-up visit to monitor the area for any changes, or they may refer the patient to a specialist for evaluation. Common specialists include an oral surgeon, an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, or an oncologist.
The definitive way to diagnose cancer is through a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is removed from the suspicious area and examined under a microscope by a pathologist. Depending on the location and nature of the finding, other diagnostic procedures may also be utilized, such as imaging scans like CT scans, MRI scans, or PET scans, which help determine the extent of any potential spread. Early detection of oral and oropharyngeal cancers improves treatment outcomes, highlighting the value of these screenings.
Understanding Risk Factors and Prevention
Several factors can increase an individual’s risk of developing oral and oropharyngeal cancers. Tobacco use, including smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or using smokeless tobacco products like chewing tobacco, is a major risk factor. Heavy and prolonged alcohol consumption also elevates risk, and the combination of tobacco and alcohol use creates a significantly higher risk than either factor alone. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly HPV-16, has emerged as a growing cause of oropharyngeal cancers.
Additional risk factors include prolonged sun exposure, which can contribute to lip cancer, and increasing age. Individuals can take proactive steps to reduce their chances of developing these cancers. Quitting all forms of tobacco and moderating alcohol intake are effective preventive measures. The HPV vaccine, initially developed to prevent cervical cancer, also protects against types of HPV that can cause oropharyngeal cancers. Protecting lips from sun exposure with SPF lip balm and maintaining good oral hygiene are also beneficial practices.