Oral Cancer Screening - Dental Office Near Me

Many patients are surprised at the large amount of surface area that we examine during an oral exam. At every hygiene visit, we examine all the tissues of your mouth, including gums, cheeks, lips, tongue, and jaw. It is just as important to have regular soft tissue screenings as it is to have a professional dental cleaning.

Oral Cancer Screening is a critical part of our preventive care at Lee Dental Centers. This screening helps detect early signs of oral cancer or other abnormalities, such as unusual patches, lumps, ulcers, or discoloration. These can be early warning signs of oral cancer or other serious conditions. Because oral cancer often develops without obvious pain or symptoms in its early stages, regular screenings are essential to catching it early.

What Causes Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer can affect anyone, although tobacco users put themselves at a significantly higher risk than non-users. Chewing tobacco contains up to 3,000 different chemicals, including the same compounds used in pesticides and embalming fluid. Cellular changes below the surface aren’t always detectable until they’ve advanced to a critical stage.

Early detection and treatment of oral cancer can significantly increase your chances of a quick and complete recovery. The American Cancer Society reports that about 7,000 deaths result from oral cancer out of 30,000 cases diagnosed annually. If we suspect any unusual changes in your mouth tissue, we may suggest a biopsy and microscopic analysis by a qualified lab.

Oral Cancer Treatment

We understand tobacco holds strong addictive powers over even the most health-conscious people. If you’re determined to quit, we want to support you in your efforts. Talk to your hygienist or dentist about the strategies and resources we have available so you can kick the habit while protecting your oral and overall health.

Many other non-cancerous changes can occur in your mouth’s tissue, from oral warts to autoimmune lesions. The dentist draws on their background in oral pathology to evaluate any abnormalities and determine if they should be monitored or removed.

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Oral Cancer Screening FAQs

How often do you need oral cancer screenings?

Oral cancer screenings are recommended at every routine dental visit, which is usually every six months. During these screenings, your dentist will examine your gums, cheeks, lips, tongue, and jaw for any unusual changes or early signs of oral cancer. For patients with higher risk factors, such as tobacco use, a history of oral cancer, or certain HPV infections, your dentist may recommend more frequent screenings every 3–4 months.

Can oral cancer spread?

Yes, oral cancer can spread or metastasize to other parts of the body if it is not detected and treated early. It most commonly spreads to nearby tissues in the gums, tongue, and jaw, and can also move to the lymph nodes in the neck. In more advanced cases, it can spread further.

This is why early detection through regular oral cancer screenings is so important! Catching it in its early stages greatly increases the chances of successful treatment and reduces the risk of the cancer spreading.

At what age should you start testing for oral cancer?

Oral cancer screenings are generally recommended for all adults starting at age 18 during routine dental visits, but the risk increases significantly after age 40. However, younger adults can benefit from screenings if they have risk factors, since oral cancer can develop without obvious symptoms in its early stages.

How can I reduce the risk of oral cancer?

You can lower your risk of oral cancer by making healthy lifestyle choices and staying on top of your oral health. Avoid tobacco in all forms and limit alcohol consumption. Protecting yourself against HPV through safe practices and vaccination can also help. Maintaining good oral hygiene, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and having regular dentist appointments allow your dentist to catch any early symptoms before they become serious. Combining these habits with routine oral cancer screenings is the best way to protect your mouth and overall health.