Dental Screenings Help Detect Oral Cancer Early
When most people think about going to the dentist, cavities and cleanings come to mind. But dentists and ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists can also play a surprising role in saving lives: spotting the early signs of head and neck cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
HPV-related throat cancers are increasing in the United States, especially in men. These cancers are slow to show symptoms, which means many patients are diagnosed at later stages when treatment can be more difficult. That’s why regular checkups and screenings matter more than ever.
Why HPV Raises the Risk of Throat Cancer
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, and while many infections clear on their own, some persist and cause changes in the cells they infect. Over time, those changes can lead to cancer.
Most people associate HPV with cervical cancer, but in fact, HPV causes the majority of cancers of the oropharynx, which includes the tonsils, soft palate, and base of the tongue. In men, it has become the most common HPV-related cancer.
Early Signs Are Easy to Overlook
HPV-related throat cancers often grow quietly. Symptoms include:
- A sore throat that does not go away
- Trouble swallowing
- Ear pain
- A lump in the neck
- Hoarseness or voice changes
Because these symptoms are vague and can resemble other, less serious conditions, they are easy to dismiss. That makes regular professional screenings so important.
The role of dentists and ENTs in early detection of oral cancers
During a routine exam, your dentist or ENT may notice lesions, nodules, or swelling that you cannot see or feel yourself. These small findings can make all the difference in catching cancer early.
Advanced oral cancer treatment options
If a cancer diagnosis is confirmed, patients at Moffitt benefit from care that brings together experts in surgery, radiation, medical oncology, pathology, speech therapy, and more. Every case is reviewed by a team of specialists who collaborate to create the most effective, individualized treatment plan.
Treatment options include:
- Minimally invasive surgical approaches
- Precision radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy and targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Access to clinical trials offering promising new therapies
A new head and neck cancer clinical trial focused on quality of life
One trial currently open at Moffitt is testing a combination of two drugs: cetuximab, a targeted therapy, and cemiplimab, an immunotherapy, given before surgery for certain head and neck cancers.
The goal is to shrink tumors before surgery, making them easier to remove and potentially reducing the need for extensive procedures. This approach may also help preserve appearance and quality of life, which are major concerns for patients facing head and neck cancer surgery.
For patients who qualify, participating in this trial offers access to an innovative treatment option not widely available elsewhere.
Early detection of head and neck cancer can save your life
If you have symptoms that don’t improve or if your dentist, ENT, or doctor recommends a closer look at a lesion or lump, do not delay. Early detection can mean less invasive treatment and better outcomes.
You can request an appointment directly with Moffitt’s Head and Neck Cancer Program, no referral required. Taking care of your health means paying attention not only to what feels wrong, but also to what trained professionals may see before you notice any symptoms. Regular dental and ENT exams can be a powerful first line of defense against HPV-related throat cancer.