Screening

Screening for oral cancer is not an easy task. It is important to visually examine all structures. Because of the relatively low prevalence of oral cancer, it is advisable to first pre-screen patients prior to an oral screening. Oral cancerous lesions are frequently found on the posterior part of the oral cavity (soft palate, tongue, and oral mucosa). The four important questions to determine whether a patient needs screening are:

1. Current or past tobacco, alcohol or substance user (screen) and/or other signs of oral cancer (refer to algorithm)
   
   If not, ask the following questions:
   
   
2. What is the patient's birth date? Screen only those 40 years or older.
   
   
3. Does the patient report changes in the voice or current soreness in the mouth lasting more than 2 weeks?
   
   
4. Does the patient report any persistent pain or numbness in the ear, mouth, or neck area?