Catch Early Signs of Cancer with a Regular Oral Cancer Screening

An oral cancer screening is a simple and non-invasive way to identify early signs of cancer. During a routine exam at Dentistry at the Heights, our doctors can thoroughly inspect the soft tissues of your mouth and, if necessary, order a quick biopsy. Annual screenings at our Brooklyn Heights, NY, office help our doctors diagnose cancer at an earlier stage, improving your chances of a successful recovery.

What Is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer can affect any of the soft tissues in your mouth, including the gums, lips, tongue, soft palate, and throat. While both men and women of all ages can develop the condition, certain factors can increase your risk: 

• Smoking or tobacco use
• Alcohol abuse
• Family members with oral cancer diagnoses
• Exposure to HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)
• Excessive sun exposure
• Being over the age of 45
• Being male

While oral cancer is easy to treat when it is still in your mouth, it often spreads rapidly. Unfortunately, the condition is much harder to treat effectively if it reaches other parts of the body, especially the lymph nodes. That is why oral cancer screenings are so important: the faster we catch the condition, the sooner we can refer you to a specialist and the better your chances for a successful recovery are. As a result, we typically recommend that patients receive at least one oral cancer screening a year. 

Common Symptoms

Oral cancer is notorious for remaining asymptomatic in its early stages. However, certain symptoms are often tied to the condition, including: 

• Persistent sores 
• White or red patches
• Lumps or thickened, crusted patches 
• Bleeding gums
• A chronic sore throat 
• Feeling that something is caught in your throat

An oral cancer screening can potentially save your life.

• Numbness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Hoarseness
• Bad breath
• Speech difficulties
• Unexplained fatigue or weight loss

Patients should keep in mind that many of these symptoms can also indicate gum disease. While it can and does have a long-term impact on your health, periodontitis is a manageable condition. Consequently, if you notice sores or bleeding gums, it is not a guaranteed sign of oral cancer.