What is Oral Cancer Screening: Purpose, Procedure, Results & Costs in India

Oral cancer, a devastating disease, casts a long shadow over public health in India. Our nation accounts for a staggering nearly one-third of the world's oral cancer cases, with over 135,000 new diagnoses and 75,000 deaths reported annually. It stands as the second most common cancer in India and is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among Indian men. These alarming statistics are primarily driven by delayed diagnosis, often leading to advanced stages of the disease at the time of presentation. However, there's a powerful weapon in our fight against this silent killer: oral cancer screening.

At Ayu, we understand the critical role that timely information and accessible healthcare play in saving lives. This comprehensive guide delves into oral cancer screening, shedding light on its importance, the procedure involved, what the results mean, and the associated costs in India, empowering you to take proactive steps for your oral health.

What is Oral Cancer Screening?

Oral cancer screening is a proactive and preventive healthcare measure designed to detect precancerous lesions or early-stage oral cancers, ideally before symptoms become noticeable. It is a quick, generally painless, and non-invasive examination of the entire oral cavity and surrounding structures.

Imagine a health check-up for your mouth – that’s essentially what oral cancer screening is. Its primary goal is to identify subtle changes in the mouth tissues that might indicate a developing problem, allowing for intervention at a stage where treatment is most effective and the chances of a full recovery are significantly higher. In India, given the high prevalence of risk factors and the disease itself, conventional oral examination (COE) performed by trained healthcare professionals, primarily dentists or frontline health workers, serves as the cornerstone of screening efforts.

The underlying principle of screening is to look for "potentially malignant disorders" (PMDs) – these are abnormal tissue changes that, if left untreated, have a higher likelihood of transforming into full-blown cancer. Identifying these PMDs early is crucial. It’s not about diagnosing cancer immediately, but about flagging suspicious areas that warrant further, more definitive diagnostic tests. This distinction is vital; screening is the first line of defense, a vigilant watch for early warning signs, rather than a definitive diagnostic tool itself.

Regular screening is particularly important for individuals with known risk factors, but even those without obvious risk factors can develop oral cancer. Therefore, understanding what screening entails and making it a part of your routine health check-ups is a fundamental step towards safeguarding your oral and overall health.

Why is Oral Cancer Screening Performed?

The purpose of oral cancer screening in India goes beyond simple detection; it's a life-saving endeavor rooted in our unique epidemiological landscape. Here’s why it’s not just important, but absolutely critical:

1. High Prevalence and Devastating Impact in India

As highlighted earlier, India bears a disproportionately heavy burden of oral cancer. The sheer number of new cases and deaths annually underscores the urgency of early detection. This isn't just a statistic; it represents countless families impacted by a preventable and treatable disease if caught in time. Oral cancer often progresses silently, with early symptoms being easily dismissed or overlooked, leading to diagnosis at advanced stages where treatment becomes more complex, invasive, and less successful.

2. Early Detection Significantly Improves Survival Rates

This is the most compelling reason for screening. The difference in survival rates between early and advanced-stage oral cancer is stark and undeniable. For early oral cancers, the 5-year survival rate can be as high as 60%. However, if the cancer is detected at an advanced stage, this survival rate plummets dramatically to a mere 3%. This vast disparity underscores the power of early detection – it literally means the difference between life and death for thousands. Screening provides the opportunity to catch these lesions when they are small, localized, and far more amenable to curative treatment.

3. High Prevalence of Risk Factors

India has a deeply entrenched culture of habits that significantly increase the risk of oral cancer. These include:

• Tobacco Use: Both smoked (cigarettes, bidis, hookahs) and smokeless forms (gutka, khaini, pan masala with tobacco, mishri) are rampant. Smokeless tobacco, in particular, is a major culprit in oral cancer development due to direct contact with oral tissues.
• Betel Nut Chewing (Areca Nut): Often combined with tobacco or consumed independently, betel nut is a known carcinogen, causing fibrosis and increasing cancer risk.
• Alcohol Consumption: Synergizes with tobacco use to multiply the risk of oral cancer.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Can create an environment conducive to chronic inflammation and increased risk.
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection: Certain strains of HPV are also linked to oral cancers, especially those affecting the oropharynx.
• Prolonged Sun Exposure (for lip cancer): Common in outdoor workers.

Given that a significant portion of the Indian population engages in one or more of these habits, a targeted and widespread screening program becomes indispensable. Screening helps identify individuals who are at a higher risk due to these lifestyle factors, allowing for more focused preventive interventions.

4. Opportunity for Prevention and Counseling

Oral cancer screening isn't just about finding existing problems; it's also a powerful platform for primary prevention. During a screening appointment, healthcare professionals have a unique opportunity to:

• Counsel patients on quitting deleterious habits: This direct interaction can be a pivotal moment for individuals contemplating cessation of tobacco, betel nut, or alcohol use. Providing information, resources, and support can significantly reduce future cancer risk.
• Educate on improving oral hygiene: Simple advice on brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups can prevent other oral diseases and contribute to overall oral health.
• Raise awareness: Screening campaigns inherently educate the public about the warning signs of oral cancer and the importance of early intervention, potentially encouraging self-examination and proactive healthcare seeking.

5. Evidence-Based Effectiveness in India

Numerous studies and community-based programs in India have consistently demonstrated the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of oral cancer screening:

• The Kerala Oral Cancer Screening Trial (KOCST): This landmark study provided compelling evidence. It showed a significant reduction in oral cancer mortality (81%) and incidence (38%) in high-risk populations following four rounds of oral visual examination performed by trained community health workers. This trial unequivocally proved that population-based screening using simple visual examination can save lives.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Screening high-risk populations (individuals aged 30 and above who use tobacco and/or alcohol) using Conventional Oral Examination (COE) at 10-year intervals has been identified as the most cost-saving approach. The cost of screening is significantly lower than the expenses associated with treating advanced-stage cancer.
• Community-Based Programs: Initiatives involving community participation and equipping primary health centers with screening capabilities have shown great promise in detecting precancerous and early-stage cancers, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
• Mobile Health (mHealth) Programs: Innovative programs, such as those initiated by the Biocon Foundation, leverage mobile technology to empower frontline healthcare providers. These programs integrate decision-based algorithms for early detection, electronic data capture, and specialist connectivity, addressing common limitations of conventional screening like poor follow-up compliance and geographical barriers.

Despite these clear guidelines and provisions for screening at public health centers, the uptake of oral cancer screening remains low in India, often hampered by socioeconomic disparities, lack of awareness, and logistical challenges. This makes widespread education and accessible screening programs even more vital.

In essence, oral cancer screening is performed to turn the tide against a pervasive disease, transforming late-stage diagnoses into early interventions, and ultimately, saving countless lives. It’s a testament to the power of proactive healthcare.

Preparation for Oral Cancer Screening

One of the advantages of oral cancer screening is that it requires very little, if any, specific preparation from your side. It’s a straightforward procedure that can often be integrated into a routine dental check-up or a general health examination.

However, there are a few things you should be prepared to discuss with your healthcare provider to ensure a thorough and accurate screening:

1. Provide a Complete Habits History: This is the most crucial piece of information you can offer. Be honest and comprehensive about your lifestyle habits, especially those that increase your risk of oral cancer. This includes:
   • Tobacco Use: Detail the type (smoked like cigarettes, bidis, hookah, or smokeless like gutka, khaini, pan masala with tobacco, mishri), the duration of use (how many years), and the quantity (e.g., how many cigarettes/bidis per day, how many pouches of gutka per day).
   • Alcohol Consumption: Specify how often you drink and the typical quantity.
   • Betel Nut Chewing: Mention the frequency and duration.
   • Any other potentially harmful habits: This could include any form of chewing tobacco or other substances.
2. Mention Any Previous Viral Infections: Some viral infections, particularly certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), are associated with an increased risk of specific types of oral cancers. Inform your doctor if you have a history of HPV or other relevant viral infections.
3. Recent Sun Exposure: If you spend a lot of time outdoors, especially without adequate sun protection, mention this, as it can be a risk factor for lip cancer.
4. Any Existing Concerns: If you have noticed any changes in your mouth, such as a non-healing sore, a lump, a white or red patch, difficulty swallowing, or persistent pain, bring these to your healthcare provider's attention immediately. Even if they seem minor, they are important clues for the examiner.
5. No Specific Dietary or Other Restrictions: Unlike some medical tests, there are generally no dietary restrictions (fasting or avoiding certain foods/drinks) required before a conventional oral examination. You can eat and drink as usual.
6. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: While not strictly a "preparation" for the screening itself, maintaining good oral hygiene (brushing twice daily, flossing) is always recommended. A clean mouth allows for a clearer visual inspection.

By providing a clear and honest account of your habits and any concerns, you enable your healthcare provider to conduct a more targeted and effective screening, ensuring that no potential risk factors or early signs are overlooked.

The Oral Cancer Screening Procedure

Oral cancer screening is designed to be quick, straightforward, and generally comfortable. In India, the primary and most widely adopted screening tool is the Conventional Oral Examination (COE), often performed by dentists, dental hygienists, or trained frontline health workers, particularly in community-based programs.

The procedure typically involves the following steps:

1. Conventional Oral Examination (COE)

The COE is a systematic visual and tactile (touch) inspection of the entire oral cavity and surrounding areas.

• Visual Inspection:

  • Lips: The examiner will first inspect your lips, both on the outside and inside, for any sores, discoloration, lumps, or changes in texture. They might ask you to open and close your mouth, and pull your lips out.
  • Cheeks (Buccal Mucosa): Using a dental mirror or a tongue depressor, the healthcare professional will pull your cheeks away from your teeth to thoroughly inspect the inner lining of your cheeks for any white patches (leukoplakia), red patches (erythroplakia), ulcers, or unusual growths.
  • Tongue: You will be asked to stick out your tongue, move it from side to side, and lift it towards the roof of your mouth. The examiner will carefully look at the top, sides, and underside of your tongue for any changes in color, texture, lumps, or non-healing sores.
  • Floor of the Mouth: This area, located under the tongue, is a common site for oral cancers. The examiner will carefully inspect it for any abnormalities.
  • Palate (Roof of the Mouth): Both the hard palate (front, bony part) and the soft palate (back, fleshy part) will be examined for any lesions, lumps, or changes.
  • Gums and Around Teeth: The gums and the tissues surrounding your teeth will also be checked for any suspicious lesions.
  • Tonsils and Oropharynx: The back of the throat and tonsil area might also be briefly visually inspected, especially for individuals with specific risk factors.

• Palpation (Feeling for Lumps):

  • Using a gloved hand, the examiner will gently feel the tissues inside your mouth, along the floor of your mouth, the tongue, and the cheeks, for any lumps, swellings, tender areas, or unusual firmness that might not be visible.
  • They will also palpate your neck and jawline, including the lymph nodes, to check for any enlarged or hardened areas, which could indicate the spread of cancer.

The entire COE is generally quick, often taking only a few minutes, and is completely non-invasive.

2. Adjunctive Screening Tools (If Suspicious Lesions are Found)

While COE is the primary screening method, especially in community settings in India, some advanced adjunctive tools may be used by dentists or specialists if a suspicious lesion is identified during the initial visual examination. These tools help in better visualizing or characterizing potentially abnormal areas but are not typically used as standalone screening methods for the general population.

• Screening Dyes (e.g., Toluidine Blue):

  • The patient rinses their mouth with a special blue dye (like toluidine blue) or the dye is applied directly to the suspected area.
  • Abnormal cells, especially those with increased metabolic activity or changes in their cellular structure (like precancerous or cancerous cells), tend to take up the dye more readily and retain it, appearing darker blue. Healthy cells wash clean.
  • This technique helps to highlight areas that might be difficult to see with the naked eye, guiding further investigation.

• Screening Lights (e.g., Vizilite, Velscope):

  • These devices use special light wavelengths (e.g., chemiluminescence or autofluorescence) to illuminate the oral tissues.
  • Healthy oral tissues naturally fluoresce (glow) under certain light conditions due to molecules like collagen and keratin.
  • Abnormal tissues, due to changes in their cellular structure and biochemistry (e.g., loss of collagen, increased metabolic activity), may lose their natural fluorescence or show altered fluorescence patterns. They might appear darker or with different color patterns compared to surrounding healthy tissue.
  • These lights help in visualizing subtle changes in the oral mucosa that may not be apparent under conventional white light.

• Oral Brush Biopsy:

  • If a suspicious lesion is found, a non-invasive oral brush biopsy may be performed.
  • A small, stiff brush is rotated over the suspicious area to collect cells from all layers of the lesion, including deeper layers.
  • The collected cells are then smeared onto a slide and sent to a laboratory for microscopic examination by a pathologist to check for any cellular abnormalities (dysplasia or cancer).
  • This is less invasive than a traditional surgical biopsy but can still provide valuable information.

3. Definitive Diagnosis: Tissue Biopsy

If any of the screening methods or adjunctive tools indicate a potentially malignant lesion, the definitive diagnostic step is a tissue biopsy.

• A small sample of the suspicious tissue is surgically removed by a dentist or oral surgeon under local anesthesia.
• This tissue sample is then sent to a pathology laboratory for microscopic examination.
• The pathologist examines the cells and tissue architecture to determine if the lesion is benign, precancerous (dysplastic), or cancerous (malignant). This is the only way to confirm a diagnosis of oral cancer.

4. Self-Oral Examination

While professional screening is paramount, self-oral examination is also encouraged as a complementary preventive measure. Individuals can perform a monthly self-check by:

• Using a mirror and good lighting.
• Visually inspecting their lips, cheeks, tongue, palate, and floor of the mouth.
• Feeling for any lumps or tender areas.
• Looking for any white or red patches, sores that don't heal, or unusual growths.
• Reporting any persistent changes to a healthcare professional immediately.

The combination of professional screening and self-awareness forms a powerful strategy against oral cancer.

Understanding Results

After an oral cancer screening, understanding the results is crucial for appropriate follow-up and peace of mind. The outcome of a screening can broadly be categorized as negative or positive, but it's important to grasp the nuances, especially regarding potentially malignant disorders (PMDs) and the need for definitive diagnosis.

During the screening process, the healthcare provider is primarily looking for Potentially Malignant Disorders (PMDs). These are clinical conditions or lesions that have a higher risk of transforming into oral cancer over time. Identifying PMDs is a key objective of screening. Common PMDs include:

• Leukoplakia: These appear as white patches or plaques on the oral mucosa (lining of the mouth) that cannot be rubbed off and cannot be characterized as any other diagnosable disease. While many leukoplakias are benign, a significant percentage, especially those that are non-homogeneous (mixed white and red, or with a nodular surface), can harbor dysplasia or even early cancer.
• Erythroplakia: These are red patches or lesions on the oral mucosa. Erythroplakia is far less common than leukoplakia but has a significantly higher rate of malignant transformation or already existing cancer. Any red patch in the mouth should be viewed with high suspicion.
• Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSF): This is a chronic, progressive, debilitating condition predominantly seen in individuals who chew betel nut or gutka. It causes stiffness and rigidity of the oral tissues, leading to difficulty in opening the mouth (trismus), pain, and burning sensation. OSF is considered a highly precancerous condition with a significant risk of malignant transformation.
• Non-Healing Ulcers: Any ulcer or sore in the mouth that persists for more than two weeks, especially without a clear cause (like trauma), warrants immediate investigation.

The presence of any of these lesions or other suspicious findings during the initial visual examination warrants further investigation.

1. Negative Screening Result

• Meaning: A negative screening indicates that the healthcare provider found no visible signs of oral cancer or precancerous lesions at the time of the examination. The oral tissues appear healthy.
• Recommendation: While a negative result is reassuring, it does not mean you are immune to oral cancer. Individuals with high-risk factors (tobacco, alcohol, betel nut use) should continue with regular, scheduled screenings as recommended by their doctor or dentist. Even without specific risk factors, routine checks are a good preventive measure.
• Limitations: A negative screening is a snapshot in time. It doesn't guarantee that a lesion won't develop later, nor does it definitively rule out microscopic changes that might be undetectable by visual examination alone. However, it significantly reduces the immediate concern.

2. Positive Screening Result

• Meaning: A positive screening means that the healthcare provider identified one or more suspicious lesions, abnormalities, or PMDs during the visual examination or with the aid of adjunctive tools (like dye rinses or special lights).
• Next Steps: A positive screening does not mean you have cancer. It simply means further diagnostic tests are required to determine the exact nature of the lesion. These next steps typically include:
  • Oral Brush Biopsy: As described earlier, a non-invasive collection of cells for microscopic examination. This can help differentiate between benign and potentially dysplastic changes.
  • Conventional Tissue Biopsy: This is the gold standard for definitive diagnosis. A small piece of the suspicious tissue is surgically removed and sent for histopathological examination. The pathologist will examine the tissue under a microscope to confirm if it is benign, precancerous (dysplasia of varying grades), or cancerous.

Differentiating Lesions and the Role of Biopsy

It is crucial to understand that differentiating between benign, precancerous (dysplastic), and cancerous lesions based solely on clinical examination can be challenging, even for experienced clinicians. Many benign conditions can mimic early cancer. This is why a tissue biopsy is almost always necessary for a definitive diagnosis. It provides clear, microscopic evidence of the cellular changes.

Risks Associated with Screening and Follow-up

While oral cancer screening itself (visual examination, dye rinses, light-based detection) is generally considered very safe with minimal risks, there are a few potential implications to be aware of:

• False Positives: This is the primary "risk" of screening. A false positive occurs when a benign lesion or a normal variant is mistaken for a potentially malignant one. This can lead to:
  • Unnecessary Anxiety: The patient experiences stress and worry while awaiting further diagnostic tests.
  • Further Diagnostic Procedures: This might include additional appointments, repeat examinations, brush biopsies, or even conventional biopsies, which involve minor discomfort and cost, even if the final diagnosis turns out to be benign.
• False Negatives: This is less common but more concerning. A false negative occurs when an existing precancerous or early cancerous lesion is missed during the screening. This can lead to:
  • Delayed Diagnosis: The patient might be falsely reassured, and the lesion could progress to a more advanced stage before it is eventually detected.
  • To minimize false negatives, it's essential for screenings to be performed by trained professionals and for high-risk individuals to adhere to regular screening schedules.
• Biopsy Risks: For the definitive diagnostic biopsy, risks are generally minor and include:
  • Temporary pain or discomfort: At the biopsy site.
  • Minor bleeding: Usually controlled easily.
  • Risk of infection: Though rare with proper post-operative care.
  • Swelling: Temporary swelling in the area.

Despite these minor risks, the overwhelming benefits of early detection through screening far outweigh the potential downsides. The peace of mind from a negative result or the early intervention possible with a positive result are invaluable.

Costs in India

Understanding the costs associated with oral cancer screening and diagnostic tests in India is vital, as it can influence access and adherence. The prices can vary significantly based on the type of test, the healthcare facility (government hospital vs. private clinic vs. specialized cancer center), the location (metro vs. smaller city), and the expertise of the healthcare provider.

It's important to note that while screening involves some cost, these are generally much lower than the expenses associated with treating advanced-stage oral cancer, making early detection a financially prudent choice in the long run, apart from being life-saving.

Here’s an overview of potential costs:

1. Primary Screening and Diagnostic Tests:

• Conventional Oral Examination (COE):

  • Often included as part of a routine dental check-up, which might range from ₹200 to ₹1000 for the consultation.
  • In government hospitals or community health camps, screening might be free or offered at a nominal charge.
  • For dedicated oral cancer screening camps, charges can be minimal or free, especially for high-risk populations, supported by NGOs or government initiatives.

• X-rays (e.g., OPG - Orthopantomogram):

  • Used to detect bone involvement or associated dental issues.
  • Cost: Approximately ₹200 to ₹600.

2. Adjunctive Screening and Initial Diagnostic Tools:

• Innovative Screening Tools (e.g., OralScan):

  • Newer, portable, and pain-free devices like OralScan, a handheld multispectral imaging camera designed for non-invasive identification of precancerous lesions, are becoming available.
  • Cost per scan: Can be as low as ₹200. This makes advanced screening more accessible.

• Oral Brush Biopsy (Cytology):

  • A less invasive method to collect cells for microscopic examination.
  • Cost: Can range significantly from ₹300 to ₹14,000, depending on the lab and the expertise required for interpretation.

• Screening Dyes (e.g., Toluidine Blue) and Lights (e.g., Velscope):

  • If used as part of a dental visit, the cost might be integrated into the consultation fee or charged additionally.
  • Specific charges for these adjunctive tools might range from ₹500 to ₹2000 if billed separately.

3. Definitive Diagnostic Tests (if suspicious lesions persist):

• Conventional Tissue Biopsy:

  • This is the gold standard for confirming cancer. It involves the surgical removal of a small tissue sample.
  • Cost: More advanced procedures like biopsies can range from ₹5,000 to ₹30,000 or more. Some sources indicate average costs of approximately ₹20,000 and above in private facilities. This includes the procedure fee, local anesthesia, and histopathological examination by a pathologist.

• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA):

  • If lymph nodes in the neck appear abnormal during palpation, FNA may be performed to collect cells from the node for examination.
  • Cost: Can range between ₹5,000 and ₹20,000.

• Liquid Biopsy (Molecular Testing):

  • A more advanced and relatively newer molecular test that analyzes circulating tumor DNA in blood samples. It's often used for monitoring or guiding treatment rather than primary screening.
  • Cost: This is significantly more expensive, ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹2,50,000, reflecting the complexity of the technology.

4. Screening Packages:

• Many diagnostic centers and hospitals offer comprehensive "mouth cancer screening packages" or "oral health check-up packages" that combine several tests.
• Prices for these packages can range from approximately ₹700 to ₹8,340, often with discounts. These can be a cost-effective option for individuals seeking a thorough check.

Overall Average Cost:

• The average cost of oral cancer tests in India, encompassing various levels of screening and initial diagnostics, generally ranges between ₹800 and ₹50,000. This wide range reflects the spectrum from basic visual exams to more advanced biopsies.

Comparison with Treatment Costs:

It's vital to put these screening and diagnostic costs into perspective by comparing them with the cost of oral cancer treatment.

• Oral cancer treatment costs are substantially lower in India than in Western countries, but they are still significant.
• An average price for oral cancer treatment in India can range from approximately ₹2,20,000 to ₹4,80,000 or even higher, depending on the stage of cancer, the type of treatment (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy), hospital choice, and duration of care.
• This stark contrast highlights the immense value of early detection. Investing a relatively small amount in screening can potentially save lakhs of rupees in treatment costs, not to mention the invaluable benefit of improved survival and quality of life.

Many public health initiatives and government schemes also aim to provide affordable or free cancer screening and treatment for economically disadvantaged sections of society. Enquiring about these options at local government health centers can be beneficial.

How Ayu Helps

Ayu simplifies your healthcare journey by allowing you to securely store all your medical records, including oral cancer screening results, in one accessible place. Easily book appointments with dentists and specialists, track your screening history, and share crucial information with your healthcare providers, ensuring continuity of care and proactive health management.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: Who should get oral cancer screening, and how often?

A: Everyone, especially those over 30, should get regular oral cancer screenings. It's particularly crucial for individuals with risk factors like tobacco use (smoked or smokeless), betel nut chewing, and heavy alcohol consumption. For high-risk individuals, annual screening is often recommended, or even more frequently as advised by a dentist. For low-risk individuals, screening can be part of routine dental check-ups, typically once a year.

Q2: Is oral cancer screening painful?

A: No, conventional oral cancer screening (visual inspection and palpation) is generally quick, painless, and non-invasive. If an oral brush biopsy or tissue biopsy is required for a suspicious lesion, local anesthesia will be used to minimize discomfort.

Q3: What are the early warning signs of oral cancer I should look out for?

A: Be vigilant for any of the following that persist for more than two weeks:

• A sore, irritation, lump, or thick patch in your mouth, lip, or throat.
• White or red patches in your mouth (leukoplakia or erythroplakia).
• A feeling of a lump or something caught in your throat.
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue.
• Numbness in any area of your mouth or face.
• Persistent sore throat, hoarseness, or a change in voice.
• Bleeding in the mouth without a clear cause.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Loose teeth or pain around teeth or jaws.

Q4: Can oral cancer be cured?

A: Yes, oral cancer can be cured, especially when detected early. The 5-year survival rate for early-stage oral cancer can be as high as 60%, significantly decreasing to just 3% for advanced stages. Early detection and prompt treatment are key to successful outcomes.

Q5: What is the difference between a screening and a biopsy?

A: Screening is a quick, non-invasive examination to identify suspicious areas. It's like a preliminary check. A biopsy, on the other hand, is a definitive diagnostic procedure where a small tissue sample is surgically removed and examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer or precancerous changes. A positive screening result often leads to a biopsy.

Q6: How can I reduce my risk of oral cancer?

A: You can significantly reduce your risk by:

• Quitting all forms of tobacco (smoked and smokeless).
• Avoiding betel nut (areca nut) chewing.
• Limiting alcohol consumption.
• Maintaining good oral hygiene.
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
• Using sun protection on your lips (e.g., SPF lip balm) when outdoors.
• Getting vaccinated against HPV (if eligible and recommended by your doctor), as some HPV strains are linked to oral cancers.

Q7: Are there any home tests for oral cancer?

A: There are no reliable home tests that can definitively diagnose oral cancer. While self-oral examination is encouraged for awareness, it cannot replace a professional screening. Always consult a dentist or healthcare professional if you notice any suspicious changes in your mouth.

Q8: What if my screening shows a suspicious lesion but it's not cancer?

A: If a suspicious lesion is found, it doesn't automatically mean cancer. Many benign conditions can mimic early cancer. Your doctor will likely recommend further investigation, such as a brush biopsy or a conventional tissue biopsy, to determine the exact nature of the lesion. It might be a benign lesion, an inflammatory condition, or a precancerous lesion (dysplasia) that requires monitoring or removal to prevent it from turning into cancer.