An oral cancer screening is one of the essential parts of your routine dental check-ups. Dr Duke is a general dentist who checks for oral cancer during your examination. He will visually check all parts of your mouth, including your gums, cheeks, and tongue.
If he spots any potential issues, he will follow up with a physical check. This allows him to identify the tell-tale signs of a potentially cancerous lesion, even in the earliest stages.
What Are Oral Cancer Signs?
One primary sign of oral cancer is discolored patches and sores on your throat, gums, tongue, cheeks, and other parts of your mouth. Though some foods and drinks may temporarily stain your tongue, consistent tongue discoloration with no relationship to the things you consume could become a problem. Other signs we look for in an oral cancer screening are:
- Sores – These are persistent eruptions in your mouth that bleed easily and do not heal in a standard time period.
- Patches – White or red patches in the mouth can indicate oral cancer but also are a symptom of thrush. Your dentist can help determine if you have this condition, which is easily treatable.
- Lumps – These raised areas may also be a source of irritation, or you may experience numbness near them, which is a tell-tale sign of oral cancer.
Oral cancer is more treatable the earlier you receive a diagnosis. We advise you to maintain regular dental visits to prevent potential problems before they grow too large.