Common Oral Cancer Symptoms
Our team of trained professionals is skilled in the techniques and tools needed for early oral cancer detection. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, call our office today for an oral cancer screening:
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Difficulty moving your jaw, speaking, or moving your tongue
- Bleeding sores in your mouth that do not heal
- Red or white spots in your mouth or on your lips
- Lumps, thickening, or rough areas inside your mouth
Oral cancer is usually treatable when diagnosed early. The longer it goes undiagnosed, the more difficult it becomes to treat.
Oral Cancer Screening Process
Oral cancer screenings are quick and painless, and they can detect oral cancer before it becomes any more severe. Our team will first examine your entire mouth visually and manually by feeling for abnormalities. If there are any concerns, we perform a brush test and send it out for analysis. Atypical results may lead to a biopsy for further evaluation.
Preventing Oral Cancer
There are many simple ways to reduce your risk of oral cancer:
- Avoid tobacco altogether
- Drink alcohol in moderation
- Limit sun exposure, and apply sunblock to your lips
- Visit our office for regular oral cancer screenings
If you have questions or concerns about oral cancer, call our office, and our staff will be happy to help.
Early Detection Is Key
Shenandoah Family Dentistry is a full-service dentist that serves Winchester, VA, and its surrounding areas. Whether we provide routine dental care, cosmetic dentistry, or oral cancer screenings, we do so with comfort and care. Call us at 540-773-0234 to schedule an appointment or book a virtual consultation online.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Cancer Screening
When should I get an oral cancer screening?
Oral cancer screenings are commonly performed as part of routine dental care, allowing providers to identify potential abnormalities even when there are no noticeable symptoms. Additional screening may be appropriate if you develop persistent changes in your mouth or have risk factors.
What symptoms should I look for between oral cancer screenings?
Changes that warrant an evaluation include sores that do not heal, unexplained bleeding, red or white patches, lumps or thickened areas, and difficulty swallowing, chewing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue. Evaluate persistent changes rather than ignore them.
Does an oral cancer screening hurt?
No. A routine oral cancer screening is quick and noninvasive. The examination involves looking at the tissues inside the mouth and gently feeling for unusual areas or changes.
What happens if something unusual is found during an oral cancer screening?
If an area looks concerning, the dentist may recommend additional testing. Shenandoah Family Dentistry in Winchester, VA may use a brush test to collect cells for analysis. At the same time, atypical findings may require further evaluation, such as a biopsy by an appropriate specialist.
Can an oral cancer screening detect cancer early?
Screening can help identify suspicious changes in the mouth that may require further testing. Detecting concerning changes earlier can allow appropriate evaluation and treatment to begin sooner when necessary.
Do I need an oral cancer screening if I do not have any symptoms?
Yes. Oral cancer can develop without obvious symptoms in its early stages. Routine screenings allow the dental team to look for changes the patient may not notice.
Does smoking increase the risk of oral cancer?
Tobacco use is an important risk factor for oral cancer. Avoiding tobacco and maintaining regular dental exams and oral cancer screenings can help protect oral health.
Can an oral cancer screening check the lips and tongue too?
Yes. An oral cancer screening examines multiple areas of the mouth, including the lips, tongue, and other oral tissues. The examination at Shenandoah Family Dentistry in Winchester includes both visual inspection and manual examination for abnormalities.
Where can I get an oral cancer screening in Winchester, VA?
Shenandoah Family Dentistry in Winchester provides oral cancer screenings as part of comprehensive dental care for patients in Winchester, VA and surrounding areas. The practice is located at 1705 Amherst St#102 Winchester, VA 22601. Call 540-773-0234 to schedule a screening or discuss a concerning change in your mouth.
