Oral cancer screenings are quick and painless procedures that can save your life.  An oral cancer screening is an examination that can be performed by  Dr. Bockrath at Mountain Aire Dentistryl to check for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. The purpose of an oral cancer screening is to find mouth cancer early, when there is a greater chance for a cure. Oral cancer screenings are performed during a routine dental visit to screen for cancer. There are additional tests available that can be administered to classify any abnormal cells in your mouth that may be used if Dr. Bockrath feels it is necessary.   

A Call from the Oral Cancer Foundation

The Oral Cancer Foundation states that less than 15 percent of those who regularly visit the dentist report having an oral cancer screening. Surprising, since the best way to combat cancer is from early detection and treatment.  The foundation is championing a cause to educate communities about oral cancer.  Their mission is to increase the conversations about this disease in an effort to reduce the suffering, permanent damage, disfigurement and death caused by the disease. They have launched a campaign to create public awareness and are asking the dental community to respond. The need to screen patients for oral cancer at every examination should no longer be elective, but just part of the normal routine. 

How Do You Detect Oral Cancer

The good thing about oral cancer, is that it is easily detectable. Some cancers are hard to see or find, but with oral cancer you don’t need an invasive examination. Typically, oral lesions are in plain sight.  In most cases, oral cancer can be detected in a 3-5 minute, painless examination and if found early, it is highly treatable and survivable. Even lesions that are precancerous can be found in a visual examination. The Oral Cancer Foundation reports that seventy-five percent of all head and neck cancers begin in the oral cavity. According to the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Ends Results (SEER) program, 30 percent of oral cancers originate in the tongue, 17 percent in the lip, and 14 percent in the floor of the mouth. Mountain Aire Dentistry is committed to spreading awareness to our community for the need to have an annual screening and do self-checks. If you are regularly visiting our office for your 6-month examinations, you will receive a screening twice a year.  The key to a healthy mouth is prevention and taking an active role in your health.

Who is Most at Risk for Cancer

Anyone can be at risk for cancer which is why getting an annual screening and checking your mouth daily when you brush are so important. Some factors have been shown to increase your likelihood of developing the disease.  As with many cancers, the risk of developing oral cancer increases with age. Men are also twice as likely to develop oral cancer than women, with most people being over the age of 55. Other contributing risk factors are: prolonged exposure to sunlight (lip cancers), diets low in fruits and vegetables, inherited genetic mutations, the human papilloma viruses, (or HPV) tobacco use, and heavy alcohol use.  For people who smoke and drink heavily, the risk of oral cancer may be as high as 100% more than the risk for people who do not smoke or drink.

What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening

Dr. Bockrath will perform your oral cancer screening at your regular 6-month appointment unless you feel you need to have one sooner because of something you have found on your own that concerns you. The first part of the exam will involve a series of questions so Dr. Bockrath can know if there are certain areas that will need a more thorough examination.  Be as honest as you can during this process.  This verbal history will aid Dr. Bockrath during your screening. Some of the questions you can anticipate are:

1. Have you noticed any changes in swallowing?
2. Have you had any chronic hoarseness?
3. Have you noticed/felt any small lumps when feeling the side of your neck putting on makeup or shaving?
4. Have you had any persistent earaches? (Of particular importance are if they occur on just one side).
5. Have any of your friends noticed a change in your voice or your speech pattern?

After Dr. Bockrath has taken down your verbal history, he will ask you to remove any dentures or partials that you may have. If appliances are in place it makes it difficult to see all the soft tissue areas in the mouth. Next, Dr. Bockrath will examine your face, neck, lips, and mouth for subtle signs of cancer. He will both look and feel for possible signs of cancer or pre-cancerous tissue changes, such as red and/or white patches, or thickened areas. Your tongue (under and above) will be checked for swelling or irregular color patches. An inspection of the roof of your mouth and tonsils will also be part of the exam. An oral cancer screening requires trained eyes that know what they are looking for, where to look, and what things should feel like. Different kinds of lights will be used to help detect subtle changes and Dr. Bockrath may use different kinds of oral rinses if necessary that can also flag him to problem areas. Sometimes, a certain kind of dye will be used on a suspicious tissue to test it.

All of these steps help ensure that you are getting the thorough examination this disease requires. Exams typically take about 5 minutes unless something suspicious is found. Patients report having very little discomfort during an oral cancer screening. There is no need for local anesthetics or painkillers.  During this exam, Dr. Bockrath will also take the opportunity to teach you how to conduct regular self exams at home and what to look for.  

Call to Make an Oral Cancer Screening Appointment

Oral cancer screenings are not procedures that you should elect out of. If they aren’t already, they need to become a regular part of your oral hygiene routine and your regular checkups. A proactive approach to your health is the best way to avoid potential hazards and to live a more full, rich life.  Dr. Bockrath is highly skilled and trained to provide a variety of dental services. Our office is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure you receive the best possible care. Mountain Aire Dentistry is in Broomfield, Colorado, with convenient access to the communities of Thornton, Broomfield, Northglenn and Westminster. Call for your appointment today at  (303) 731-7755. We look forward to meeting you and your family!