Oral cancer is a serious condition that can spread to other parts of the body if it isn’t treated quickly. Detecting oral cancer early increases your chances of successful treatment and survival. At Mill Dam Dental Care, we offer regular oral cancer screenings as part of our regular dental health appointments to encourage early detection and treatment. It’s important to be familiar with the early signs of oral cancer, so you can seek treatment right away if you notice any changes. Here are some of the warning signs, as well as why early cancer detection is so important.
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer, or mouth cancer, is a type of cancer that specifically develops in the neck and throat. Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a common cause of oral cancer. Frequent tobacco and alcohol use are some of the biggest risk factors for this cancer, although it can also develop as a result of genetic factors, poor nutrition, prolonged sun exposure, or immune deficiencies.
What to Watch for: The Early Signs of Oral Cancer
There are many signs and symptoms of oral cancer that develop early. If you notice these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist right away for an in-depth screening. While these symptoms don’t necessarily mean that cancer is present, seeking professional care is still essential. Your dentist will help you determine the underlying problem and recommend appropriate next steps if cancer is present.
Unexplained Pain
Oral cancer can cause unexplained pain in your mouth, throat, or ears. The pain is usually a dull soreness, rather than an acute or throbbing pain. For example, you might feel the sensation of a persistent sore throat or an aching sensation in your mouth. You may also feel localized ear pain on one side of your head.
Red or White Patches
Cancer in the mouth often materializes as abnormal red or white patches in the mouth. These patches may be present in the gums, on or under the tongue, on the roof of the mouth, or in the back of the throat.
Cancerous red patches are usually bright red and have a soft texture. These patches are usually not directly painful when they first appear. Cancerous white patches are thick and will maintain their color and shape, even when touched.
Lumps or Sores
Oral cancer can also present itself as a lump or sore on the mouth. For example, you may notice a sore on your lip, on the inside of your teeth, or on your tongue that wouldn’t normally be present. These sores may look similar to cold sores or canker sores.
Additionally, you might notice a persistent lump in your throat or neck, or have the sensation that something is constantly caught in your throat. These lumps can vary in size and may or may not be painful.
Jaw Swelling
It’s common for those with oral cancer to experience swelling in the mouth and jaw. If you wear dentures or other oral accessories, the swelling may be pronounced enough to interfere with the way they fit.
Difficulty Swallowing or Speaking
Cancer-related swelling, lumps, or sores could interfere with your daily activities. If you are having trouble speaking, swallowing, chewing, or moving your mouth normally, it’s important to seek professional dental and medical care right away.
Numbness
In some cases, oral cancer can cause numbness and a loss of sensation throughout the mouth and throat.
The Importance of Regular Cancer Screenings
Detecting oral cancer early gives your dentist and doctors more time to treat it effectively. In many cases, oral cancer is not painful until it has progressed to the later stages, which means that patients don’t realize they have it until it’s too late.
Getting regular cancer screenings gives patients and dentists the ability to catch oral cancer early, when it can be easily removed and a full recovery is likely. These regular screenings can also provide peace of mind for patients, knowing that they have full transparency and knowledge of their oral health.
At Mill Dam Dental Care, we can conduct oral cancer screenings as part of regular dental cleanings and check-ups. This makes these screenings very easy to complete as part of your regular oral healthcare routine.
Oral Cancer Screenings: What to Expect
At Mill Dam Dental Care, our oral cancer screenings have two components: a traditional manual oral cancer screening as well as a VELscope screening.
First, the dentist will manually examine the inside of your mouth and throat, looking and feeling for any abnormalities. Then, they will use the VELscope to take a deeper look. The VELscope is a device that uses fluorescent light to detect signs of oral cancer. If abnormalities are detected, you may be referred for further screenings and imaging.
Oral cancer screenings are painless and noninvasive. It doesn’t take long to complete and can be done as part of your standard dental health appointment. These screenings become particularly important as patients get older, as the risk of oral cancer becomes higher after the age of 40.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening Today
If you notice potential signs and symptoms of oral cancer, it’s important to schedule a screening as soon as possible. Even if you’re not experiencing symptoms, you should still schedule regular screenings as part of your oral health regimen. During your appointments, your dentist can also help you understand and develop good oral health habits. Taking care of your mouth by regularly brushing, flossing, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding harmful substances can all help to minimize your risk of cancer. Mill Dam Dental Care offers oral cancer screenings and a variety of other dental services for patients in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Give us a call today to learn more about the early signs of oral cancer or to schedule your appointment.