Oral cancer screenings are an important part of protecting your long-term oral health, and your overall wellbeing. Routine oral cancer screenings in Phoenix and Ahwatukee are a key part of our preventive dental services. Our team checks for signs of oral cancer at every visit, even though you may not be aware it’s happening at all.
Oral cancer can be serious,but identifying it early ensures treatment is more effective and outcomes are significantly better. Here’s what you should know.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer refers to cancers that develop in or around the mouth and throat. It can affect many areas, including:
- Lips
- Tongue
- Cheeks
- Gums
- Floor or roof of the mouth
- Soft palate
- Throat
Left undetected, oral cancer can spread and become more difficult to treat. That’s why regular dental visits and oral cancer screenings are so important.
Early Detection Saves Lives
Early detection is one of the most powerful tools in fighting oral cancer. When oral cancer is identified early, treatment is usually less invasive and more successful.
In the early stages, oral cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. These subtle changes in the mouth are frequently first identified during routine dental exams. Unfortunately, many cases of oral cancer go undiagnosed until their later stages.
The longer oral cancer goes undetected, the more difficult it is to treat. Cases that are diagnosed in its early stages have significantly better survival rates than cases that aren’t treated until later stages. Beyond mortality risks, oral cancer can have a serious effect on your quality of life because it can change your appearance, the sound of your voice, and your ability to eat comfortably.
That’s why our team at Imagine Dental is dedicated to providing regular oral cancer screenings in Phoenix and Ahwatukee. The earlier we can identify changes, the better your chance of a full recovery.
Who Is at Risk for Oral Cancer?
Many people think only smokers get oral cancer, but the truth is that anyone can develop oral cancer. Like any cancer, genetics play a role in your level of risk. However, there are many lifestyle factors that make a significant difference.
- Smoking, vaping, and tobacco use
- Frequent alcohol use
- Sun exposure
- Diet
- Age
- Chronic irritation or inflammation
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV Is Now the Leading Cause of Oral Cancer
In recent years, oral cancer rates have increased slightly even as smoking and alcohol use among young people has gone down. This is largely because of HPV, which now accounts for around 70% of head and neck cancers.
It’s estimated that more than 80% of adults in the US will have HPV at some point in their life. Because it does not cause immediate symptoms in many cases, the infection can go unnoticed.
Not all strains of HPV increase your cancer risk, and many infections clear up on their own. However, the virus can lie dormant in the body for many years and even decades before leading to cell changes and cancer, even in people who have never smoked or who have no other risk factors.
This makes routine oral cancer screenings essential for everyone, regardless of your known risks.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is quick, gentle, and completely non-invasive. During the screening, your dentist or dental hygienist will:
- Visually examine your lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, and throat
- Feel the tissues of the mouth, jaw, and neck for lumps or abnormalities
- Look for changes in color, texture, or tissue thickness
- Discuss any wounds, ulcers, lesions, or other symptoms
Oral cancer screening technology like special lights and dyes can help highlight areas that may need closer evaluation. If we notice anything of concern, we’ll discuss next steps, such as a biopsy.
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
You can also monitor for signs of oral cancer between dental visits by performing an oral cancer self-check. While checking yourself for oral cancer, keep an eye out for:
- Red or white patches inside the mouth
- Wounds or ulcers that don’t heal within about two weeks
- A lump, thickened tissue, or rough area
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking
- Changes to the sound of your voice
- A sore throat that does not heal within two weeks
- Persistent numbness, pain, or soreness
These symptoms do not always indicate oral cancer, but they should always be checked by a professional. If you’re ever in doubt, get in touch with our team for an oral cancer screening in Arizona.
How Often Should You Have an Oral Cancer Screening?
We typically perform oral cancer screenings during routine dental exams, or at least once per year. If you have higher risk factors or have had precancerous or cancerous lesions in the past, you may need closer monitoring. With self-screenings at home about once per month, regular dental visits allow us to track changes over time and address them quickly if needed.
Our Team Is Here to Protect Your Health with Oral Cancer Screenings in Phoenix and Ahwatukee
Oral cancer screenings are an important part of the comprehensive and preventive dental care we provide at Imagine Dental. Your health and safety always come first with us, and these quick, painless, potentially life-saving screenings are a simple way we provide the best possible care.
If you’re due for a dental exam or have concerns about changes in your mouth, our team is here to help. Get in touch to schedule your next visit or oral cancer screening in Phoenix or Ahwatukee to take an important step toward protecting your health!
