Save Your Life with Oral Cancer Screenings at Crossroads Dental
Crossroads Dental in Longmont, Colorado, isn’t only committed to your smile—we are dedicated to your overall wellness. We take a holistic approach to dental care, and that’s why Dr. Amy Farmer offers oral cancer screenings as part of your routine dental check-up. Regular oral cancer exams are crucial in the early detection of mouth cancer so that treatment can start immediately before the cancer spreads to other body parts.
Signs of oral cancer
Mouth cancer often manifests in the tongue, gums, lips, and mouth palate, although it can occur in any part of the oral structure. While other less severe conditions may cause the following symptoms, scheduling an appointment with a doctor for a proper diagnosis is vital.
- Mouth sores that bleed or take long to heal
- White or red patches in your oral cavity
- An abnormal lump or bump in the mouth
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Unexpected weight loss
- Pain, numbness, or tenderness in the mouth
- Changes in the voice
While everyone is at risk of mouth cancer, certain factors put some individuals at an increased risk. Smokers and heavy alcohol users are likely to develop oral cancer. Additionally, exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV) increases the risk of this life-threatening disease. However, whether or not the patient is at a high risk of mouth cancer, regular oral screenings should be scheduled at least once annually. Better be safe than sorry!
What should I expect from oral cancer screenings?
A mouth cancer exam is painless and fast, often taking about five minutes. It involves using an intraoral camera to identify visible signs like abnormal patches, sores, lumps, and other cancerous and pre-cancerous signs. In addition to visual screenings, we’ll use gloved hands to feel unusual lumps, bumps, and masses in your jaw, throat, cheeks, and other areas.
Remember, oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth, so the screening must be thorough. Our office has incorporated advanced technology in your oral cancer screening to improve our screening outcomes. Our ViziLite oral lesion screening system uses a special light to separate abnormal tissues from healthy ones.
If our exam reveals abnormal signs, we’ll refer you to a specialist for further diagnosis. Often, the cancer specialist will perform a biopsy to confirm or rule out cancer. If your biopsy confirms early-stage oral cancer, the prognosis rate is significantly improved since the cancer hasn’t spread to other parts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Cancer Screening
Why is an oral cancer screening included during a routine dental visit?
Many early signs of oral cancer develop without causing pain or noticeable symptoms, making them easy to overlook at home. Including an oral cancer screening as part of your regular dental examination allows Dr. Amy Farmer to evaluate the tissues of your mouth for changes that may require closer attention. Detecting abnormalities early often provides more treatment options and reinforces the importance of preventive dental care as part of your overall health.
Can oral cancer develop even if I don’t smoke or drink alcohol?
Yes. While tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption remain significant risk factors, oral cancer can also occur in people with no history of either habit. Factors such as age, prolonged sun exposure affecting the lips, certain viral infections, family history, and other health conditions may also influence risk. Because anyone can develop oral cancer, routine screenings remain an important preventive service regardless of your personal risk profile.
How often should I have an oral cancer screening?
For many adults, an oral cancer screening is recommended at least once each year and is often performed during a routine dental examination. Some guests may benefit from more frequent evaluations because of their medical history, lifestyle factors, or previous abnormal findings. Dr. Amy Farmer will recommend an appropriate screening schedule based on your individual health history, risk factors, and ongoing oral health needs.
What should I do if I notice a sore or lump between dental visits?
Any sore, lump, patch, or area of irritation that does not improve within approximately two weeks should be professionally evaluated. While many oral changes are caused by irritation, minor injuries, or other non-cancerous conditions, it is important not to ignore persistent symptoms. Contact Crossroads Dental if you notice unusual changes so Dr. Amy Farmer can determine whether further examination or referral is appropriate.
Can dentures, crowns, or other dental appliances affect an oral cancer screening?
No. Existing dental restorations, dentures, implants, or orthodontic appliances generally do not interfere with an oral cancer screening. Your dentist carefully examines all accessible soft tissues, including areas surrounding dental work, to identify any unusual changes. If an appliance is removable, you may simply be asked to remove it briefly so the underlying tissues can be examined thoroughly during your appointment.
Is there anything I should do to reduce my risk of oral cancer?
Although no screening can prevent oral cancer, several healthy lifestyle choices may help lower your overall risk. Avoiding tobacco products, limiting alcohol consumption, protecting your lips from excessive sun exposure, maintaining good oral hygiene, eating a balanced diet, and attending regular dental examinations all contribute to better oral health. Routine screenings also allow Dr. Amy Farmer to monitor for changes that might otherwise go unnoticed between dental visits.
What happens if an abnormal area is found during my screening?
Finding an abnormal area does not automatically mean cancer is present. Many oral lesions are caused by irritation, infection, trauma, or other non-cancerous conditions. If Dr. Amy Farmer identifies an area that requires additional evaluation, you may be asked to return for a follow-up examination or be referred to an appropriate specialist for further testing. This careful approach helps ensure that persistent changes receive prompt attention while avoiding unnecessary concern over temporary or harmless conditions.
Schedule your oral cancer exam today!
Mouth cancer exams are safe, affordable, and quick, but they are life-saving. If you are due for a mouth cancer screening or have never had one taken, call (970) 703-8556 to book your exam today at Crossroads Dental.
