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.
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.
