Oral Cancer Detection: Why It Matters
Heritage Dental goes beyond protecting your teeth and gums from cavities and infections. We provide oral cancer screenings in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania, to catch the disease early when it’s easily treatable. A mouth cancer exam in our office is painless and fast, but it can save a life.
Is it time for your oral cancer screening? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Beth Skovron today. Mouth cancer is a severe condition, claiming the lives of over 12,000 Americans each year. However, the prognosis is significantly better when detected and treated early.
What are the symptoms of mouth cancer?
Oral cancer isn’t painful or easily recognizable in the early stage. Many people won’t realize the condition until it’s too late. That’s why regular screenings are vital to detect mouth cancer symptoms early when the disease is easy to treat.
The common symptoms of oral cancer include:
- A mouth sore that doesn’t heal within two weeks.
- Unusual lumps or bumps in the mouth.
- White, red, or speckled patches.
- Unexpected weight loss.
- Voice changes.
- Difficulty or painful swallowing.
- Numbness or pain in the mouth.
Oral cancer can affect anyone. However, smokers, heavy drinkers, and patients aged 40 and above are at an increased risk. Still, everyone must be screened for mouth cancer at least once annually. The good news is that you don’t need a separate mouth cancer exam—oral cancer screening is usually part of your routine dental exam.
What should I expect during an oral cancer exam?
The procedure is painless and fast, often taking about five minutes. Before the procedure, the dentist will ask you to remove Invisalign aligners, dentures, and other removable appliances. This gives the dentist an unobstructed view of your oral structures, leaving no stone unturned.
Checking for cancerous and precancerous signs involves a visual exam on the lips, tongue, palate, inner cheeks, and other mouth parts. Then, the dentist uses gloved hands to palpate the neck and throat region for lumps, bumps, and unusual masses.
If we detect any unusual signs, we recommend a follow-up appointment to assess changes. This time, we may use the innovative ViziLite system, which uses a special light to separate abnormal tissues from healthy ones. If there are still further suspicions, we’ll refer you to a specialist for a biopsy. During this process, a tiny sample of the tissues in your mouth is taken for additional testing.
Why does oral cancer detection matter?
Early diagnosis is crucial in saving lives, especially regarding mouth cancer. The earlier this disease is detected, the more effective the treatment can be, significantly improving survival rates and outcomes. This is why we strongly recommend annual mouth cancer screenings. These screenings allow us to catch potential issues at their earliest stages, often before symptoms become noticeable. Regular screenings help us proactively identify and treat any signs of cancer, improving your chances for a healthy life.
Do you need oral cancer screening?
If you are due for an oral cancer exam, don’t wait until symptoms are noticeable or painful. Be proactive with your oral health and schedule your cancer screening today by dialing (215) 792-2227. The procedure is quick, painless, and minimally invasive.
FAQs
What is oral cancer?
Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, can develop in various areas of the mouth and throat, including the lips, tongue, gums, and throat. It’s crucial to detect it early to prevent its spread.
What are the signs of mouth cancer?
Look out for persistent sores, lumps, thickening in the mouth or neck, difficulty swallowing, or new growths in the mouth. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a professional for an oral cancer screening.
What happens during an oral cancer screening?
During a routine dental visit, our team at Heritage Dental will clean your teeth and gums, evaluate any changes since your last visit, and examine the soft tissues of your mouth and throat for any suspicious areas.
What is ViziLite?
ViziLite is an upgraded cancer detection system that uses a special light to identify abnormalities in the mouth, including early-stage cancer, lesions, and other abnormal tissue formations. It provides a fast and effective approach to detecting potential issues.
How can I schedule an oral cancer screening?
Early detection is vital to improving survival chances. If you’re in Montgomeryville, PA, contact Dr. Beth Skovron and her team at Heritage Dental by calling (215) 792-2227 to schedule your screening. We’re dedicated to providing state-of-the-art dental care for new families and patients.
Dr. Beth Skovron, DDS, FAGD, is a distinguished State University of New York graduate at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine. With advanced training in oral surgery and therapeutic procedures, she embodies a legacy of dentistry—both her father and uncle were dentists, while her mother was a dental hygienist. Dr. Skovron's passion for dentistry extends to creating a serene, spa-like environment for patients. Renowned for her expertise in cosmetic reconstructions, she is a certified CEREC® mentor and a graduate of the prestigious SPEAR® program. Trust Dr. Skovron to provide exceptional dental care, integrating cutting-edge techniques to ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience during your visit.