Are you afraid of oral cancer? Let's learn about this test (Oral Cancer Screening)!

Have you ever noticed something strange inside your mouth while you brush your teeth or eat? Maybe it's a white spot, a small wound, or a red spot. Usually, these things get better in a few days. But sometimes, something like this that we don't pay much attention to can be the first sign of a serious disease, namely oral cancer. Don't worry, today we are talking about a very important test that can help detect this condition early. That is `Oral Cancer Screening`.

Simply put, what is Oral Cancer Screening?

This is a very simple procedure. It involves a doctor checking the inside of your mouth for any signs or changes that could be cancer. This is not a painful test. It can be completed in a few minutes.

During this exam, the doctor will carefully examine the following areas inside your mouth:

• Cheeks: The skin on the inside of both cheeks.
• Top and bottom of the mouth: the palate and the area under the tongue.
• Gums: The gums around the teeth.
• Lips: The inner and outer sides of the lips.
• Tongue: Top, bottom, and sides of the tongue.
• Back of the throat (tonsils): The tonsils are glands on either side of the throat that are visible when the mouth is opened.

Think about it, this is like servicing a car. We check for any minor problems with our car before they become a big problem, right? That's how this test is done. This is done to catch a problem inside our mouths as soon as it starts.

Why is this test so important?

Now you may be thinking, "Why bother with this?" The reason is that oral cancer is a common type of cancer all over the world, especially in our country. But the sad thing is, the death rate from this cancer is very high.

But there is good news. Oral cancer is a disease that can be treated and almost completely cured if detected early. The best and only way to detect the signs of the disease at that early stage is this `Oral Cancer Screening` test. Therefore, its value cannot be overstated.

It is definitely important to get this test done, especially if you smoke, drink alcohol, or have a habit of eating junk food.

How is this test done? What do I have to do?

This test doesn't require much preparation. It can usually be done as part of your dental checkup when you visit a dentist. Or your family doctor can do it. The entire test shouldn't take more than 5 minutes.

Here are some things that happen during the test:

1. Visual Exam

The doctor will first look inside your mouth under good light. He will specifically look for the following:

• White spots or patches: This is medically called Leukoplakia .
• Red spots or patches: This is called (Erythroplakia) .
• Non-healing wounds.
• Unusual lumps or swellings.

2. Palpation

Next, the doctor will use his fingers to feel your face, jaw area, and neck to check for any unusual lumps or swelling. If you feel any pain or discomfort at this time, you should tell the doctor.

3. Use of special dyes and lights

Sometimes, doctors use special methods to clearly identify abnormal cells.

• Dye: Sometimes a blue dye is applied to an unusual area in the mouth. This dye will stain areas with cancer cells.
• Special Light: Another method is to have you rinse your mouth with a special mouthwash and then hold a special light inside your mouth. This will make healthy tissue appear black, while abnormal tissue will glow white.

What happens after the test?

As soon as the test is finished, the doctor will tell you the results.

• If everything is normal: Then there is no problem. You can visit the dentist as usual, about once a year, and have this test done.
• If there is something suspicious: If the doctor sees an unusual spot or lump, he will refer you to a specialist, often an oncologist. Don't worry. Not everything that is suspicious is cancer. It could be a simple infection.

Then, further tests are performed to determine exactly whether the suspicious area is cancerous or not.

• (Cytology): This involves scraping some cells from a suspicious area with a swab or brush and examining them under a microscope.
• Biopsy: This is the most accurate method. In this, a very small piece of tissue is removed from the suspicious area and sent to a laboratory for testing. The results of this take about 3-5 days.

Can I check my mouth at home?

Yes, you can! Although this is not a substitute for a check-up by a doctor, it is a good habit to go in front of a mirror and examine your mouth yourself at least once a month . This will give you an idea of ​​the general condition of your mouth. Then, if there are any new changes, you can quickly identify them.

Here's how you can check for yourself: Go in front of a mirror in a well-lit area.

If you notice anything unusual, especially a sore, spot, or lump that lasts more than 2 weeks , don't ignore it. Tell your dentist or family doctor right away.