Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer can be diagnosed by a dentist through a visual and physical examination of the mouth, throat, and neck, including palpation of the lymph nodes. A biopsy of any suspicious tissue may be necessary to confirm the presence of cancer cells. Some dentists also use advanced technology, such as fluorescence and light-based detection systems, to aid in the early detection of oral cancer.

The first stage of mouth cancer, also known as oral cancer, is called stage 1. At this stage, the cancer is small and localized to the area where it first started, and has not spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body. The prognosis for stage 1 mouth cancer is generally good, with a high chance of successful treatment and recovery if detected and treated early.

In Australia, it is generally recommended to get an oral cancer screening during your routine dental check-up, which is typically every six months. However, the frequency of oral cancer screenings may vary depending on your individual risk factors, such as age, tobacco and alcohol use, and family history of oral cancer. Your dentist at Bite Dental can provide you with a personalized recommendation for how often you should get screened for oral cancer based on your specific needs.