Oral cancer is one of the most lethal forms of common cancer worldwide, and each year, doctors diagnose 30,000 new patients. Oral cancers are becoming increasingly frequent among adults over the age of 40. However, if detected early, oral cancer has a very high remission rate. At Advance Dental Care Center, we offer oral cancer screenings for people of all ages to stay ahead of this tremendously serious issue. These screenings are vital for detecting irregularities in the throat, mouth, and lip tissues and preventing the spread of oral cancer or other serious diseases. Come into our Arlington, VA, office for an oral cancer screening to spot and treat these issues in their early stages.
Who Is at Risk for Oral Cancer?
While oral cancer can affect anyone, only 20% of cases happen to people under the age of 55. Several factors can increase a person’s risk for oral cancer, but there are also unknown catalysts. The known risk factors that can increase someone’s chances of getting oral cancer are:
- Smoking cigarettes, pipes, or cigars
- Chewing tobacco or snuff
- Heavy consumption of alcohol
- Having oral cancer previously
- Having human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Too much sun exposure
Abnormal tissue that appears as a persistent sore or growth may indicate a case of oral cancer. During the oral cancer screening, your dentist will do a visual inspection of the following areas in the oral cavity:
- Cheeks
- Lips
- Sinuses
- Tongue
- Under the tongue
- Soft palate
- Hard palate
- Throat
Abnormal growths or cell groupings don’t necessarily mean someone has cancer. If we discover something unusual during your screening, we’ll have to do a biopsy to determine the nature of the growth. Oral cancer screenings are the best way to detect these problems early and prevent them from becoming potentially lethal issues.
What Are the Most Common Signs of Oral Cancer?
Knowing the symptoms associated with oral cancer can help you detect it early and get proper treatment. When identified early, oral cancer has an impressive 83% cure rate. The most common signs of oral cancer are
- Swelling, bumps, rough spots, and erosion in the mouth, throat, or lips
- Patches of red or white or red and white speckles
- Unexpected oral bleeding
- Numbness or pain in the neck, mouth, or face
- Sores on the neck, mouth, or face that last for more than two weeks
- Sore throat
- A sensation that something is in the back of the throat
- Difficulty speaking, swallowing, chewing, or moving the tongue or jaw
- Voice changing
- Persistent sore throat
- Chronic ear pain
- Significant weight loss
- Shifting teeth
Arlington Oral Cancer Screening
Contact Our Arlington, VA, Office Today
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of oral cancer, don’t panic. Schedule an oral cancer screening with the dental experts at Advance Dental Care Center and get some professional insight. At Advance Dental Care Center, we give each patient an oral cancer screening with every checkup. If you’re worried about oral cancer, get a screening for peace of mind and to handle any issues in the early stages. Call our Arlington, VA, office at (703) 415-0505 to schedule your appointment today.