Close to 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. Though it’s been associated with people over 40 years old, it’s now occurring more frequently in those under this age. Oral cancer is particularly dangerous because, in its early stages, it may not be noticed by the patient, as it can frequently prosper without producing pain or symptoms they might readily recognize. That’s why oral cancer screening is vital.
Oral cancer can easily be diagnosed with oral screening and effectively treated when caught in its earliest stages. When you come in for an oral cancer screening at Washington Court House Dental, our experienced dentists, Dr. Michael Pappas, DDS, MBA, and Dr. R. Taylor Landgraf, will check your mouth and throat for signs of cancer. We use the latest oral cancer diagnostic tools and techniques to enhance the early detection of abnormalities that may be cancerous. Patient comfort, individualized care, and complete satisfaction is our priority.
What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screening is a quick, painless, non-invasive preventive dental procedure. During the exam, our dentist will ask you if you’ve had any new or unusual symptoms and whether there are any changes in your medical history. We will ask you questions about risk factors for oral cancer, including smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Oral cancer includes cancers of the lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, face, hard and soft palate, salivary glands, and throat. So we will check your mouth, including your gums, lips, cheek lining, the roof of your mouth, the floor of your mouth, and tongue, for any sores, lumps, or irregular tissue changes, including discoloration. We will also examine your throat at the soft part at the roof of your mouth and your tonsils. The dentists will then feel your face, glands, jaw, and neck for unusual bumps.
We also use saliva testing to detect signs of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in the mouth, which is the leading cause of the fastest-growing type of head and neck cancer, oropharyngeal cancer. If we find any abnormality, such as a lesion, we may recommend a biopsy to help establish a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Increased Risk Factors
Factors that can increase the chance of getting oral cancers include:
Common signs and symptoms of oral cancer include:
Don’t wait for a symptom to become painful. If you notice any of these symptoms or something else that doesn’t feel right, schedule an appointment with our dentists for a mouth cancer diagnosis as soon as possible.
Benefits of Early Detection
The good news is that oral cancer can be effectively treated when caught in its earliest stages. In fact, a 5-year survival rate for all people is 85% if detected early. Oral cancer begins with an asymptomatic stage during which the usual cancer signs may not be readily noticeable, and that’s why oral cancer screening is so crucial.
Historically, the death rate associated with this cancer is particularly high, not because it’s hard to discover or diagnose, but due to the cancer being routinely discovered late in its development. Having regular dental checkups will allow you to catch signs of oral cancer when it’s still early and treatable. Scheduling dentist appointments every six months is a good routine to follow.
Oral screenings can detect cancer early, making it easier to treat, and can even prevent death. If you’re looking for an expert oral cancer screening dentist in Washington Court House, OH, contact us today to schedule an appointment. Our team is ready to answer all your questions and concerns about oral cancer.
Call 740-333-7290 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
