Oral Cancer Screenings
An early diagnosis of oral cancer could make a difference in how well the disease responds to treatment. Learn how the dental team at Pike & Valega, DDS in Poolesville and Rockville, MD acts as the first line of defense against oral cancer.
Dentists Are Often the First To Notice Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Symptoms of oral cancer are often easy to ignore because they are often mistaken for other, less serious problems. At Pike & Valega, DDS, our dental team is experienced in identifying the early signs and symptoms of oral cancer.
The following are some examples of what our dental team is looking for when conducting an oral cancer screening:
- Sores, which may be red or white in appearance and located anywhere in the oral cavity
- Open sores or wounds in the mouth that bleed easily or appear not to be healing properly
- Thick lumps or bumps on the gums, cheeks, or tongue
- Rough spots in the oral cavity that appear red or irritated
- Changes in the position of your teeth
- Loose teeth
- Dental restorations, such as dentures, suddenly not fitting properly or feeling loose
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Hoarse sounding voice
- Swelling, pain, or tenderness of the jaw, throat, or neck
Dentists help to identify lesions which may be oral cancer
Even though general dentists cannot provide you with an official diagnosis of oral cancer, they still play a huge role in helping to detect this disease in its early stages.
If our dental team notices any signs or symptoms of oral cancer, we will provide you with a referral to an oral surgeon who can conduct the proper testing needed to confirm a diagnosis. Our dental team will gladly send over any imaging, such as digital photos or X-rays, that can help with the diagnostic process.
How Often Do You Conduct an Oral Cancer Screening?
A thorough oral cancer screening is conducted as part of your routine dental examination. Regular dental exams are scheduled every three to six months, depending upon the customized treatment plan we have created for you.
Even though oral cancer screenings are conducted as part of our routine dental exams, that doesn’t mean we aren’t looking for signs and symptoms during your other appointments. Our dental team is trained to visually inspect the mouth for any abnormalities or sudden changes in appearance at every appointment.
If our dental team notices any changes or abnormalities, we may recommend a more comprehensive screening or examination. During a more comprehensive oral cancer screening, our dental team will run a gloved finger over the gums, tongue and cheeks to try and feel for any lumps or bumps. We may also check your neck, jaw and facial area for lumps and bumps. Should anything be discovered during this comprehensive screening, we will refer you to a healthcare provider who can conduct additional testing.
Call To Schedule an Appointment for an Oral Cancer Screening
We recommend everyone, regardless of age or gender, undergo regular oral cancer screenings. If you have never had one done before or don’t know if one has been performed, we encourage you to contact Pike & Valega, DDS and schedule an appointment for a dental examination. Not only will we conduct an oral cancer screening, but we will provide a comprehensive dental examination.
To schedule an appointment for a dental examination, contact our Poolesville dental office or Rockville dental office. We are also available to answer any questions you may have about oral cancer screenings.
