Oral Cancer Screenings
As your oral health advisors, one of our most important jobs is to provide regular oral cancer screenings for our patients. Oral cancer is one of the only types of cancer that is increasing in the United States, and is our job to look out for abnormalities that may be potential signs.
Signs of oral cancer include (can be found on the lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, throat, or any surface of the mouth):
- Swelling, thickening, lumps, rough spots, crusting, or erosion
- Velvety white, red, or speckled patches
- Unexplained bleeding
- Numbness or loss of feeling
- Pain or tenderness
- Persistent sores
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
- Hoarseness, chronic sore throat, change in voice
- Ear pain
Risk factors for developing oral cancer include:
- Smoking – Smokers are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers
- Chewing – Patients who dip, snuff, or chew are 50 times more likely to develop oral cancer
- Alcohol – Oral cancer is six times more common in drinkers than non-drinkers
- Family history of cancer
- Excessive sun exposure
- HPV
Detection of oral cancer in the early stages greatly increases patients’ chance at survival and recovery. If you fall into any of the above high risk categories or have noticed any of the above signs or symptoms, you should come see us right away for an oral cancer screening. It might just save your life.