Stay Vigilant About Your Oral Health with Oral Cancer Screenings
Each year, about 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer. This can occur in the tongue, lips, gums, throat, palate, and other oral structures. When detected early, mouth cancer is highly treatable. Unfortunately, many cases are diagnosed in later stages because routine screenings are often overlooked.
At Arrowhead Dentistry in Glendale, Arizona, oral cancer screenings are a routine part of our comprehensive exams. We take every precaution to identify warning signs because early detection can potentially save a life!
What are the early signs of oral cancer?
Symptoms of oral cancer vary from person to person. However, recognizing early signs is essential to ensure the disease is treated before it metastasizes (spreads). The common signs of oral cancer include:
- A persistent white area or spot in the mouth (leukoplakia)
- A persistent red area or spot in the mouth (erythroplakia) that bleeds if scraped (approximately 90% of erythroplakias are cancerous or pre-cancerous)
- A sore in the mouth that doesn’t heal
- An abnormal lump or swelling in the mouth
- Unexpected numbness or pain in the mouth
- Changes in how your aligners and dentures fit
- A persistent sore throat
- Unexpected weight loss
- Persistent bad breath
- Voice changes or difficulty swallowing
The above signs don’t mean you have oral cancer. However, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation to rule out severe conditions.
Are certain people at more risk of oral cancer?
Yes! While mouth cancer doesn’t discriminate, specific individuals are at a higher risk. Common risk factors for oral cancer include:
- Tobacco use
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Immunosuppression
- A family history of cancer
- Poor nutrition
- Excessive sun exposure to the lips
During your consultation, your doctor will evaluate your risk profile and create a preventive plan to help you stay ahead of oral cancer.
What can I expect during a routine cancer screening?
Oral cancer exams are quick and non-invasive. During your screening, your dentist will carefully inspect your cheeks, lips, palate, gums, tongue, and throat for any unusual spots, sores, or color changes. They’ll also gently palpate your jaw, neck, and lymph nodes to check for unusual lumps, masses, or swellings.
The entire process takes just a few minutes and is done as part of your regular dental check-up. If something suspicious is found, your dentist may recommend further testing, including a biopsy. Our thorough oral cancer screenings give you peace of mind and the confidence that nothing is being overlooked. We also provide risk-reduction strategies to help keep your smile healthy.
Why is early detection of oral cancer important?
Early detection means successful treatment outcomes. To put this in perspective, oral cancer has an 80-90% 5-year survival rate. Unfortunately, this drops below 50% if detection is made late. Routine oral cancer screenings detect signs even before symptoms appear. Like most cancers, detecting oral cancer before it spreads means effective and less aggressive treatment.
Who offers oral cancer screening near Glendale, Arizona?
An oral cancer exam takes about 5 minutes but can be life-saving. Are you due for a mouth cancer exam? Be proactive with your oral health. Call (623) 878-6333 and schedule your appointment with Arrowhead Dentistry. Everyone deserves a future where chewing, speaking, and smiling remain effortless.
