Saving Lives with Routine Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer kills at least one American every hour, daily. While it accounts for a relatively small percentage of all cancers, oral cancer is life-threatening because it’s often detected late. If there were a simple test to give you warning signs about mouth cancer, would you try it? Pleasant Valley Dentistry offers oral cancer screenings in Peoria, Arizona, to detect this condition at its earliest, most treatable stage. Oral cancer screenings are simple, quick, and non-invasive, but they can save lives.
What are the early warning signs of oral cancer?
Like many cancers, mouth cancer often develops quietly, showing little to no symptoms in its early stages. The disease may already be advanced when noticeable signs appear, making treatment more difficult. This is why routine oral cancer screenings are so valuable. They allow your dentist to catch subtle changes you might overlook.
That said, here are some of the warning signs of mouth cancer you should watch for:
- A persistent sore in the mouth that doesn’t heal within two weeks
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Unexplained lumps, swelling, or thickening of oral tissues
- A chronic sore throat or a feeling like something is stuck in the throat
- Unexplained weight loss
- Voice changes
- Numbness or pain in the tongue or mouth
- Changes in your bite or how dentures fit
The above signs don’t mean you have oral cancer. However, it’s essential to have them checked out. Early detection is the best way to improve treatment outcomes and protect your overall health.
What can I expect during an oral cancer exam?
An oral cancer exam at our office is simple, comfortable, and requires no special preparation. Before the exam, you’ll be asked to remove dentures, aligners, or other appliances so we can clearly see the oral tissues. Dr. Semida Repta will then carefully examine your lips, tongue, and mouth for unusual swellings, patches, or lesions.
She palpates your mouth, neck, and throat with gloved hands to check for any masses, lumps, or swellings. Sometimes, special lights and dyes may be used to isolate suspicious tissues from healthy ones.
Remember, dentists don’t diagnose you with oral cancer. We detect irregular signs that need further scrutiny. A biopsy is the definitive diagnosis for oral cancer, which involves studying a sample of your tissue closely with a microscope.
How often should I be screened for mouth cancer?
We recommend oral cancer screenings at least once annually. However, patients with certain risk factors may benefit from frequent exams, including those who:
- Use tobacco products
- Consume alcohol heavily
- Have a history of oral cancer
- Experience prolonged sun exposure to the lips
- Have a family history of oral cancer
- Are aged 40 or older
The best part is that an oral cancer exam is quick, simple, and performed during your routine dental check-up. This means you don’t need to schedule a separate appointment, ensuring minimal interruptions to your everyday life.
Do you need a mouth cancer exam in Peoria, Arizona?
Oral cancer is deadly because it’s often detected too late, killing about 12,000 Americans annually. Pleasant Valley Dentistry offers fast, comfortable screenings in Peoria, Arizona, to catch it early when it’s most treatable. Call (623) 232-8066 and book your oral cancer exam today. A few minutes could save your life!
