How Oral Cancer Is Diagnosed

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, 75% of head and neck cancers begin in the mouth. Early detection plays a crucial role in improving outcomes, making regular screenings essential. By catching oral cancer in its earliest stages, patients have access to more effective treatment options, offering hope and a better chance of recovery.

Dr. Michael Nichols and the staff at Oral & Facial Surgery of Mississippi in Flowood, Mississippi, understand the life-saving importance of oral cancer screenings. 

Maybe you’ve been referred to us because you have an unusual oral pathology. Understanding what’s involved in screening for and diagnosing oral cancer may help you feel less nervous. 

Oral cancer screening

The first step in screening for oral cancer is a physical exam. Dr. Nichols checks your mouth, lips, and tongue for anything abnormal. 

Abnormalities include reddish or whitish patches, sores in your mouth that bleed easily or don’t heal, or lumps or thickened skin lining the inside of your mouth. A chronic sore throat or difficulty chewing and swallowing could also indicate a problem. 

Oral cancer often begins on the tongue or the floor of the mouth, so Dr. Nichols inspects those areas especially closely during a screening. A systematic approach to examining the oral cavity is the best method of early detection of head and neck cancers originating in the mouth. 

Oral cancer cytology

Cytology is one of the main methods of diagnosing oral cancer. It’s a common, noninvasive test. 

Experts consider cytology an effective method for diagnosing early oral cancer. However, cytology is usually only one step. You may need additional diagnostic testing, such as a biopsy. 

The procedure for cytology is simple and painless. Dr. Nichols uses a brush, a piece of cotton, or a specialized wood stick to collect cells from your mouth for examination under a microscope. If they’re abnormal, Dr. Nichols likely performs a biopsy. 

Having a biopsy

After screening and cytology, a biopsy is the next step in diagnosing oral cancer. It’s the process of removing tissue to test. How Dr. Nichols removes the tissue depends on its location and other factors. 

He can perform a biopsy with a brush, similar to cytology, or a needle. In some cases, Dr. Nichols uses a tool to cut away tissue. The sample goes to a pathology lab for analysis. 

Your comfort is a priority during any procedure performed at Oral & Facial Surgery of Mississippi. We use local anesthetic to make sure you don’t feel pain during a biopsy. 

If the tissue sample is cut away, Dr. Nichols may recommend a follow-up visit a few days later to ensure the area is healing properly. 

Early diagnosis

It’s worth repeating that early detection is crucial to treat head and neck cancers. The diagnostic testing process for oral cancer can be nerve-racking, but it’s worth it. 

If you have a sore spot in your mouth or another indication something is wrong, or if your dentist suggests a diagnostic screening, don’t wait. Call us today to schedule an appointment.