Can a dentist tell if you have throat cancer?

While dentists are trained to look for signs of oral health issues, including oral cancer, they are not typically the first line of diagnosis for throat cancer. Dentists primarily focus on the teeth, gums, and oral tissues. However, during a routine dental examination, if a dentist notices any unusual lumps, lesions, or other abnormalities that could be indicative of throat cancer, they would likely refer the patient to a physician or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for further evaluation. It's important to note that throat cancer can present with symptoms that may not be immediately visible or felt within the oral cavity. A physician or an ENT specialist would be better equipped to diagnose throat cancer through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and possibly additional tests such as an endoscopy or a biopsy if cancer is suspected. In summary, while a dentist might identify signs that suggest the possibility of throat cancer, they are not the specialists for diagnosing this type of cancer. The appropriate course of action would be for the patient to see a doctor for a thorough evaluation.

A doctor or dentist may find some cancers or pre-cancers of the mouth and throat during an exam, but many of these cancers are found because of signs or symptoms a person is having. The patient should see a doctor who will examine him or her. Then, if cancer is suspected, tests will be needed.