Step Up Your Preventive Dental Care with Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer begins with an asymptomatic stage, where cancer signs aren’t easily noticeable. This is why oral cancer screenings in Swampscott, Massachusetts, are vital. These screenings allow Red Rock Dental to detect early signs of mouth cancer, even before the signs manifest. If you are due for a mouth cancer exam, visit our office for a potentially life-saving check-up.
What are the early signs of oral cancer?
Oral cancer can develop anywhere in the mouth, including the lips, cheeks, tongue, palate, throat, gums, etc. Although the following signs don’t mean you have oral cancer, getting checked out is essential.
- Mouth sores that don’t heal within two weeks
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Unusual growths or tissue thickening in the mouth
- Teeth are becoming loose without an apparent cause
- Unexplained numbness or tingling in the mouth or lips
- Ongoing throat discomfort or voice changes
- Trouble swallowing or a feeling that something is caught in the throat
Mouth cancer doesn’t discriminate, but certain factors can increase the risk. Smoking, heavy alcohol use, and HPV exposure can increase the risk of mouth cancer. Similarly, sunlight exposure to the lips and age can make you susceptible to oral cancer. Despite these risk factors, everyone can get mouth cancer, which makes routine check-ups a must. Your dentist will determine the frequency of screenings, given your risk.
What should I expect during oral cancer screening?
It’s a quick and painless procedure often scheduled alongside your routine dental check-up. First, your dentist will request that you remove aligners or dentures for an unobstructed view of your oral cavity. The dentist visually inspects your mouth for unusual lesions, swellings, patches, and other abnormal signs. We may also use an intraoral camera to visualize tricky corners of your mouth.
The dentist also uses gloved hands to feel abnormal masses or bumps in the throat or gums. If any unusual signs are detected, we’ll schedule another screening to monitor any changes in the abnormalities.
Should we suspect oral cancer, we’ll recommend a biopsy for a definitive diagnosis. A biopsy involves taking a small sample of your tissues for closer observation in a lab.
Why does early cancer detection matter?
Like every other cancer, early detection of oral cancer is crucial because it significantly increases the survival rate. When cancer is identified early, it’s typically smaller and has not spread. This makes the cancer more responsive to treatment options such as surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Early intervention leads to better outcomes and a higher likelihood of remission.
Unfortunately, many cases of oral cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage because individuals often neglect routine screenings. At this stage, the cancer has spread, making treatment costly and less effective. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Book your Swampscott oral cancer screening today!
Do you need oral cancer screening near Swampscott, Massachusetts?
Early detection of oral cancer can save lives. A quick, painless screening at Red Rock Dental can make all the difference. Don’t wait—take a proactive step towards your health. Call (781) 590-3606 and book your oral cancer screening now and ensure peace of mind.
