Oral Cancer Screening

Although anyone is susceptible to oral cancer, you have a higher risk of developing it you if you smoke, drink alcohol heavily, maintain an unhealthy diet, have a family history of cancer, or are regularly exposed to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) rays. In recent years, there has been a rise in the number of patients in their 20s and 30s that have developed oral cancer, which has been linked to human papillomavirus (HPV).

Research has proven that 75 percent of head and neck cancers are linked to the mouth. It is vital to undergo regular exams because oral cancer can develop anywhere inside the mouth, including the lips, gums, throat, tongue, and salivary glands. You should schedule an appointment with one of our doctors immediately if you notice any signs of oral cancer that have persisted for more than two weeks, such as:

• White or red lesions inside your mouth or around your lips

• Chronic sore throat or a lump in your throat

• Persistent hoarseness

• Numbness, swelling, or pain inside or around your mouth, face, or neck

• Significant weight loss

• Mouth sores that bleed

• Jaw or ear pain

• Pain when chewing, swallowing, or speaking

While some of these symptoms could be indicative of another issue, such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, it is in your best interest to have any abnormal oral issues addressed immediately.

A full evaluation at Advanced Dental Health can help discover potential concerns, allowing our doctors to provide treatment as soon as oral cancer is detected. Regular routine exams at least twice a year can also help detect abnormal tissue and cancerous cells early, improving the likelihood of a full recovery. During an evaluation, the doctor will compare previous and current digital x-rays after one of our hygienists has performed your cleaning to help detect any changes in your teeth, gums, and jawbone. They can also perform a gentle physical examination of your head, neck, jawbone, and face, checking for any lumps or abnormalities. If anything is detected, your doctor may take samples for a biopsy or recommend that you visit a specialist.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of oral cancer that have lasted more than two weeks, call our office at (480) 783-7192 immediately or contact us online today to schedule an exam with our office. A routine oral cancer screening could help save your life.