Oral Cancer Screening

At Crosby Dentistry, we are passionate about your ongoing dental care and overall health. Part of our approach to helping you maintain a healthy smile is offering preventive treatments and services to get ahead of any problems before they can turn into more significant issues. Of course, early detection is essential, which is why we always include an oral cancer screening as part of your routine dental exam.

Our office is located in Lakeland, FL, where we help our neighbors stay healthy through regular checkups. We believe that your oral health is a window into your total body wellness. By providing a thorough cancer screening during your visit to our Lakeland, FL practice, we give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing a professional is looking out for your safety.

What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer commonly presents early signs in the mouth. During your routine biannual dental exam, our dentist, Dr. Crosby, will carefully inspect your gums and soft tissues in the mouth, searching for potential signs of cancer.

The screening process is usually a visual inspection, but it can sometimes include additional tests. In some cases, the dentist will collect tissue from the mouth or gums to examine under a microscope, searching for abnormal cells. Other tests to screen for oral cancer can include a dye test or using a special screening light.

During a dental checkup, we also feel around your jaw and neck for any lumps or swollen lymph nodes. This is important because mouth cancer can sometimes affect the neck and throat area. We look at the roof of your mouth, the floor of the mouth, and under the tongue. These are common spots where abnormal tissue can hide in the early stages.

Benefits of Regular Oral Cancer Screenings

There are many reasons why regular screenings are a vital part of your health care. Many people do not realize that oral cavity cancer is often painless when it first starts. You might have a small spot that you cannot even see yourself. By having regular oral cancer screenings, you are taking an active role in your long-term wellness.

The biggest benefits of this screening test include:

• Higher Survival Rate: When found early, the chances of successful treatment are much higher.
• Simple and Quick: The test takes only a few minutes during your routine dental visit.
• Detecting Other Problems: A dental check can also find potential issues like vitamin deficiencies or other infections.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing you are clear of any suspicious areas helps you feel better about your health.
• Saving Money: Treating cancer in advanced stages is much more expensive and difficult than handling it early.

What Can Increase My Chance of Developing Oral Cancer?

We all want to maintain optimal health, and making intelligent choices in our day-to-day lives is important for keeping the entire body, including the teeth and gums, healthy. Certain choices can put a person at higher risk for developing oral cancer.

The chances of developing oral cancer are heightened with:

1. Any tobacco use, including chewing tobacco, pipes, snuff, cigars, and cigarettes
2. Significant alcohol use
3. History of an oral cancer diagnosis
4. Significant sun exposure

Of course, family history and genetics can also play a large role in your oral cancer risk. Be sure to share any pertinent family history with Dr. Crosby to lend information to the oral cancer screening process.

Other significant risk factors in the United States include the human papillomavirus (HPV). According to the American Cancer Society, HPV is now linked to many oropharyngeal cancers, which affect the back part of the throat. People with a history of tobacco and heavy alcohol consumption together have the highest oral cancer risk. Even lip cancer can occur if you spend a lot of time in the sun without protection.

Who Should Get an Oral Cancer Screening in Lakeland, Florida?

Like any health issue, we want to get ahead of the problem before it has a chance to spread. Oral cancer screening is the same way, and it is always better to detect this disease early. With early detection, treatment is much easier and is often more successful. Plus, screening for oral cancer can help detect other systemic diseases that often show the first symptoms in the mouth.

Detecting oral cancer is quick and easy, and often patients don’t even realize that the screening is part of their routine exam. Typically, just a visual inspection by a professional dentist is enough to detect the start of oral cancer. As the dentist works to examine the teeth and gums, he will also look for potential signs that could be the early indicators of disease.

By performing this screening test regularly, dental professionals can catch squamous cell carcinoma, the most common type of oral cavity cancer, before it moves into the lymph nodes. Organizations like the Oral Cancer Foundation and the National Cancer Institute state that the early detection of oral cancer is the best way to save lives.

What Are Early Signs of Oral Cancer?

It is important to stay ahead of your oral health and understand possible signs or symptoms that may develop.

You want to look for potential warning signs, including the following:

1. Sudden loss of teeth unrelated to injury
2. Lumps or bumps inside the mouth
3. Mouth pain
4. Difficulty swallowing
5. White or red patches of skin inside the mouth
6. Mouth sores or ulcers that won’t heal

By recognizing these symptoms early, you can detect possible indicators of oral cancer. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is essential to schedule an appointment with Dr. Crosby for further examination. Early detection is key to successful oral cancer treatment.

You should also watch for a persistent sore throat or the feeling that something is caught in your throat. Sometimes oral cancer symptoms include a change in your voice or numbness in the tongue. If you find any abnormal tissue or mouth sores that stay for more than two weeks, you should contact your health care providers immediately for further testing.

Taking Control of Your Health

Many people are nervous about the word “cancer,” but remember that a screening is a positive thing. It is a way to stay healthy and avoid problems before they grow. Your dental health is a big part of your life, and we are here to support you. By visiting us for routine dental visits, you are making sure that your mouth, teeth, and gums are in top shape.

The American Dental Association recommends that all adults get regular screenings. If you have a family history of oral cancer or if you use tobacco products, you should be even more careful about your checkups. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you understand your risks. We want to be your partners in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.