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Oral Cancer Screenings in Turlock, CA
While oral cancer doesn’t get the same attention as other cancers, it can be just as deadly. Any part of the oral cavity or mouth can develop cancer, including the roof or floor of the mouth, tongue, lips, cheeks, throat, and sinuses. As with other forms of the disease, mouth cancer robs Canadians of their lives. But early diagnosis and treatment can go a long way toward survival. Therefore, you need to take control of your health overall. To start, come to Healthy Smile Dental for routine exams and mouth oral cancer screenings near you.
Signs of Oral Cancer
Your dentist in Turlock, CA, has the training and experience to detect early signs of cancer. In some cases, symptoms are caused by less severe conditions. But it is always better to rule out any possibility of cancers. Some of the signs we see most often include:
- A bleeding sore that won’t heal
- A rough area, thickening or lump
- Numbness, pain, or tenderness in the oral cavity or on the lips
- Problems speaking, chewing, swallowing, or shifting your tongue or jaw
- White or red sores or spots anywhere in or around the mouth
Contact the Healthy Smile Dental right away if you are experiencing any of these conditions.
Mouth Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
The quick, simple screening involves a thorough examination of the entire oral cavity. Besides a visual inspection, Dr. Harpreet Brar will also feel the soft tissues for anything abnormal. If we uncover a suspicious area, the next step is a brush test to collect questionable cells. This specimen is then sent to an outside lab for analysis. If we receive a positive result, your Turlock, CA, dentist will perform a biopsy.
Standard treatment options in the beginning stages are radiation or surgery. If the condition is allowed to advance, we will likely use both radiation and surgery. In the late stages, radiation with chemotherapy is a common approach. Sometimes these treatments are also combined with surgery.
Prevention is the Ultimate Goal
Like with any disease, the best treatment is prevention. There are steps you can take every day to minimize the risk, such as:
- Avoid tobacco use of any kind.
- Eat a balanced, healthy diet.
- Keep sun exposure to a low level, and always wear sunblock. Don’t neglect your lips! It is essential to use protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Limit alcohol consumption.
FAQs
The most appropriate screening schedule varies from person to person. Factors such as medical history, tobacco or alcohol use, HPV exposure, age, and previous findings all help determine how frequently your mouth should be evaluated.
Many comprehensive dental visits include an assessment of the soft tissues throughout the mouth. During this portion of the appointment, your dentist looks for changes that differ from healthy tissue and decides whether additional follow-up is appropriate.
The screening is typically performed during your regular appointment and generally requires very little additional time. If an area deserves closer attention, the examination may take longer to ensure it is evaluated thoroughly.
No. The screening consists of carefully observing the tissues inside the mouth and gently examining certain areas when necessary. It does not include injections or invasive procedures, and most patients complete it without discomfort.
Yes. Certain forms of HPV have been associated with cancers affecting the mouth and throat. Although many HPV infections resolve naturally, regular dental examinations remain valuable because some tissue changes develop without noticeable symptoms.
If you would like an oral cancer evaluation, contact Healthy Smile Dental to arrange an appointment. Be sure to mention any sores, lumps, or changes you've noticed so sufficient time can be scheduled for your examination.