Oral Cancer Screenings
In America, approximately 54,000 new cases of oral cancer are detected every year. At our Ann Arbor, MI, dental practice, we perform quick oral cancer screenings utilizing visual inspection and manual palpation. During the painless screening, our Ann Arbor dentists will check your mouth for abnormalities in the mucosal tissues of your lips, mouth, and upper throat.
Learn more about what goes into an oral cancer screening below.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
There are several known risk factors linked to the development of . Such factors include:
- Smoking and other tobacco use
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Family history of oral cancer
- Repeated exposure to the sun without SPF protection
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Age (risk increases after age 55)
- Gender (more common for men)
Stages of an Oral Cancer Screening
Screening for oral cancer is quick and pain-free. The whole process is designed to detect any early signs of abnormal tissue changes and is often included as part of a professional teeth cleaning appointment. The two primary components of a screening include:
- Visual Examination – One of our hygienists will carefully inspect the inside of your mouth, including your lips, cheeks, tongue, gums, throat, and the roof and floor of your mouth. We will look for any unusual sores, red or white patches, swelling, or other abnormalities.
- Physical Examination – Using gloved hands, we will gently feel around your jaw, neck, and lymph nodes for any lumps or unusual masses. This step helps identify potential issues that may not be visible to the eye.
The entire mouth cancer screening takes just a few minutes and can be a crucial step in detecting the condition early, when it is most treatable.
Oral Cancer Symptoms
The bottom line is that if caught early, oral cancer is much easier to treat. If you notice anything unusual while brushing or flossing your teeth, please notify our dentists. For example, a sore on your lip that isn’t healing as it should or a velvety patch that develops under your tongue. Don’t assume everything will resolve on its own. We can take a better look and perform a screening if needed to confirm a diagnosis.
Never put off seeking care from our local family dentists if you have any of the below .
Common symptoms associated with oral cancer include:
- Red, white, or speckled patches in the mouth
- Lumps, bumps, or rough spots on the lips, gums, cheek, or other soft areas inside the mouth
- Bleeding in the mouth with no known cause
- Numb or painful feeling in the face, mouth, or neck
- Sore throat
- Trouble swallowing, chewing, speaking, or moving the jaw and tongue
- Swelling or pain in jaw
Call Liberty Dental Today
If you’re concerned about a possible symptom or are at risk for oral cancer, give our , a call today at (734) 994-0909 to request an appointment. We’ll get to the bottom of the situation and do our best to keep your smile healthy.