Oral cancer visual screening

Overview

Oral cancer visual screening is a quick, painless check where a doctor or dentist looks inside your mouth for any abnormal areas, such as sores, patches, or lumps, that could be early signs of oral cancer or pre-cancerous changes.

Oral cancer is not as common as some other cancers, but it is still a serious condition. Screening helps to find it early, especially in people with higher risk factors.

Oral cancer can affect anyone, but it is more common in men, people over 40, and those who use tobacco or drink alcohol heavily. Having the human papillomavirus (HPV) also increases risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal within 3 weeks
• A red or white patch inside the mouth
• A lump or thickening in the cheek, lip, or tongue
• Difficulty swallowing or a feeling that something is stuck in the throat
• Numbness or pain in the mouth or lips

Symptoms in children

• Oral cancer is very rare in children. Any unusual sore or lump that does not heal should still be checked by a doctor.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may notice changes in their mouth that they dismiss as normal aging. Any persistent sore, lump, or patch that lasts more than 3 weeks should be examined.

Causes

Main causes

• Oral cancer occurs when cells in the mouth develop changes (mutations) in their DNA, causing them to grow uncontrollably. The exact cause of these mutations is not always known.

Risk factors

• Using tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco
• Drinking alcohol heavily, especially when combined with tobacco use
• Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV type 16
• Excessive sun exposure to the lips
• A weakened immune system
• A family history of oral cancer

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you notice a new lump, sore, or patch in your mouth that does not heal within 3 weeks
• If you have difficulty swallowing that is not getting better

Book a routine appointment if:

• See your dentist regularly for check-ups – during these visits, they will often perform a visual oral cancer screening as part of the examination.

Diagnosis

Oral cancer is diagnosed through a visual screening, followed by a biopsy if a suspicious area is found. Your doctor or dentist will look at and feel inside your mouth, including your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, and the back of your throat.

Tests that may be done

• Visual screening: a careful inspection of the mouth using a bright light
• Biopsy: taking a small sample of tissue from the suspicious area to be examined under a microscope
• Imaging tests (if needed): such as a CT scan or MRI to see if cancer has spread

What to expect at your appointment

A visual screening is quick and painless. If a biopsy is needed, the area will be numbed with local anaesthetic so you won't feel pain. You may have some mild discomfort afterward. The results will help your healthcare team plan the best next steps.

Treatment

Treatment for oral cancer depends on the type, size, location, and stage of the cancer, as well as your overall health. Common approaches include surgery, radiation therapy, and targeted treatments. Your healthcare team will discuss the best options for you.

Self-care at home

• Avoid using any tobacco products
• Limit or avoid alcohol
• Keep your mouth and teeth clean with gentle brushing and rinsing
• Eat soft, nutritious foods if swallowing is difficult

Medical treatments

Medical treatments may include surgery to remove the tumour, radiation therapy (high-energy beams to kill cancer cells), and systemic treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy that target cancer throughout the body. Your doctor will explain which treatments are recommended and what to expect.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is often the first treatment for early-stage oral cancer. It involves removing the cancerous area and a small amount of healthy tissue around it. In more advanced cases, surgery may also involve removing nearby lymph nodes.

Living with this condition

After treatment, you may need to adjust how you eat, speak, and care for your mouth. Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor your recovery and check for any signs of recurrence.

Lifestyle tips

• Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
• Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all
• Protect your lips from the sun with SPF lip balm
• Maintain good oral hygiene

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. If eating is difficult, try soft, moist foods or smoothies. Gentle exercise like walking can help with energy and mood during recovery.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A diagnosis of oral cancer can be frightening and stressful. It is normal to feel anxious, sad, or overwhelmed. Talking to a counsellor, joining a support group, or confiding in family and friends can help you cope.

Prevention

While not all oral cancers can be prevented, you can lower your risk by avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, getting the HPV vaccine, protecting your lips from the sun, and maintaining a healthy diet.

Vaccines

The HPV vaccine can help prevent infections with the types of human papillomavirus that are linked to oral cancers. It is recommended for preteens and young adults.

Screening programmes

Oral cancer visual screening is often done during routine dental check-ups. There is no national screening programme for oral cancer, but if you are at higher risk, your doctor or dentist may recommend more frequent checks.

Complications

If left untreated

• The cancer can grow and spread to nearby tissues, such as the jaw, tongue, or throat
• It may spread to lymph nodes in the neck
• If it spreads to other parts of the body (metastasis), it becomes much harder to treat

Long-term outlook

The outlook for oral cancer is good when it is caught early. With prompt treatment, many people are cured and go on to live full lives. If the cancer is found at a later stage, treatment can still be effective, but it may require more intensive therapy. Regular follow-up care is essential for the best possible outcome.

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