Oral cancer screening is an examination performed to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. The goal of oral cancer screening is to identify mouth cancer early, when there is a greater chance for a cure. We always perform an examination of your mouth during a routine dental visit to screen for oral cancer. The goal of oral cancer screening is to detect mouth cancer or precancerous lesions that may lead to mouth cancer at an early stage — when cancer or lesions are easiest to remove and most likely to be cured.

Factors that can increase the risk of oral cancer include:

• Tobacco use of any kind, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and snuff, among others
• Heavy alcohol use
• Previous oral cancer diagnosis
• History of significant sun exposure, which increases the risk of lip cancer
• The number of people diagnosed with mouth and throat cancers has been rising over the last several years, though it isn’t clear why. An increasing number of these cancers are associated with the sexually transmitted infection human papillomavirus (HPV).

If are interested in learning more about oral cancer screening or to schedule a consultation, please do not hesitate to call us at 410-643-5500 or click here to request an appointment.