Stopping the Silent Threat: Step Up Your Preventive Care with Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer screenings are usually part of your dental check-up at Westwyn Dental LLC. Mouth cancer exams in Berwyn, Illinois, are quick and painless, but they can potentially save a life. Like every cancer, oral cancer shows symptoms when it’s too late, making routine screenings crucial. Drs. Connor Schroyer and Isabella Duarte provide thorough screenings, offering peace of mind and the best chance for timely treatment if needed.
What are the symptoms of mouth cancer?
Oral cancer can be subtle initially, making routine check-ups a no-miss. However, the following symptoms can help you monitor your oral health between check-ups.
- Mouth sores that don’t heal within two weeks
- Persistent sore throat or feeling as if something is caught in the throat
- White or red patches in the mouth
- Unexplained tenderness or numbness in the mouth
- Unexpected weight loss
- Voice changes
- Lumps or rough spots in the mouth
- Changes in how your dentures or aligners fit
If you notice these symptoms, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with a medical professional immediately. While other conditions may cause similar signs, a thorough evaluation is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.
What happens during oral cancer screening?
An oral cancer exam is painless and takes about five minutes. Here’s what you can expect.
- Visual examination: The dentist will inspect your lips, cheeks, tongue, and other oral structures for any abnormalities or changes in color, shape, or texture. For a thorough, unobstructed examination, the dentist will request you to remove dentures, aligners, and other removable appliances.
- Palpitation: With gloved hands, the dentist gently presses around the neck, jaws, and gums to feel any unusual lumps, masses, or enlarged lymph nodes.
- Special lights or dyes: The dentist can use fluorescent lights or special dyes to highlight abnormal cells for further scrutiny.
Remember that our oral cancer screenings do not provide a diagnosis but help identify potential concerns. We may recommend a biopsy for a definitive diagnosis if we detect any suspicious signs. A biopsy involves taking a small tissue sample for laboratory testing to determine if cancer is present.
Who needs oral cancer screenings?
Oral cancer can affect anyone, which is why we recommend routine screenings every 1-2 years. However, more frequent check-ups may be necessary if you have certain risk factors.
These risk factors include:
- Tobacco use
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Frequent sun exposure to the lips
- A family history of oral cancer
- HPV infection
- Aged above 40
Survival rates for oral cancer are considerably increased by early identification. When diagnosed at stage 1, the five-year survival rate is 80-90% because the cancer is localized and easier to treat. However, when detected at an advanced stage, the survival rate drops below 50% as the cancer has spread (metastasized), making treatment more complex and less effective. Regular screenings are crucial for catching oral cancer early when it’s most treatable.
Ready for oral cancer screenings in Berwyn, Illinois?
Mouth cancer is easy to treat when detected early. Unfortunately, many cases are discovered late because people skip regular screenings. Westwyn Dental LLC offers painless, non-invasive mouth cancer screenings in Berwyn, Illinois, to safeguard your oral health and provide peace of mind. Call (708) 797-9377 and reserve your appointment today!
