Why Should You Screen for Oral Cancer?

Tariq Drabu is a leading dentist and specialist oral surgeon in the United Kingdom. He is also the owner of the successful Langley Dental Practice in Middleton. He advised recently that everyone of all ages should consider being screened for oral cancer as the number of new cases increases on an annual basis around the world.

Tariq Drabu advised that even though oral cancer is seen more in older men, he does have younger patients asking him why should they screen for this cancer, when it's men over sixty that are obviously in a higher risk bracket.

He shares his answers below:

What are the leading causes for oral cancer?

Tariq Drabu advised that more than ninety percent of oral cancer cases are lifestyle related. This is why older men are affected more as it often relates to tobacco use and alcohol consumption. But this does not mean that if you don't drink and you don't smoke you are not at risk.

Why should younger people also be screened?

Younger patients want to know why their mouths should be checked for oral cancer and the answer is relatively simple. According to Tariq Drabu there is a direct link between the HPV virus and oral cancer. This means that the younger generation are also at high risk and having a screening can help the cancer be identified in the early stages and treatment to be given.

What is the test?

In order to be tested for oral cancer, you will make an appointment with your dentist who will conduct a survey on any signs you may be experiencing. They will then do a thorough examination of your mouth, gums, lips and tongue. If any lesions are noticeable, they will arrange for you to have a biopsy.

What happens if my biopsy comes back positive?

Tariq Drabu advised that there are seven thousand six hundred new cases of oral cancer being diagnosed in the United Kingdom each and every year. As with any cancer the sooner it is noticed and diagnosed, the sooner treatment can start. Cancer caught in the early stages can increase life expectancy.

Treatments vary and the patient will be sent to an oncology department at their local hospital who will arrange to meet with them as soon as possible to discuss their treatment options. Treatment will be determined on the stage of the cancer.