We ensure healthy, cancer-free smiles through regular oral cancer screenings
Mouth cancer can be disfiguring and even fatal. An oral cancer exam in South Huntington, New York, is a quick and painless procedure for early cancer detection. Although mouth cancer is a life-threatening condition, early detection increases the likelihood of a successful outcome. Oral cancer screenings can be life-saving at All City Cosmetic Dental Care. Dr. Boris Yusupov and the team look for early signs of oral cancer before any symptoms manifest. We aim to catch mouth cancer early before it spreads to other body parts and becomes hard to treat.
What are the symptoms of oral cancer?
Oral cancer can manifest anywhere in the mouth, but it commonly forms on the lips, tongue, palate, cheeks, sinuses, and throat. Although the following symptoms don’t necessarily mean you have mouth cancer, they are warning signs for medical attention.
These include:
- A mouth sore that doesn’t go away
- Unexplained mouth bleeding
- Red or white patches on the inside of your mouth
- Abnormal bumps and lumps in the mouth
- Difficulty or painful swallowing
- Voice changes (hoarseness)
- Unexpected weight loss
- Chronic sore throat
- Mouth or ear pain
- Eroded or rough areas in the mouth
Anyone is at risk of mouth cancer, but certain groups are at an increased risk. You are likely to develop oral cancer if you are a smoker, heavy drinker, or aged above 40. Additionally, excessive sunlight exposure, particularly for the lips, and human papillomavirus (HPV) can elevate the risk of oral cancer.
What can I expect from the oral cancer screening?
Your dentist can detect oral cancer symptoms using several methods, providing a fast and painless experience. The process begins with a visual exam, during which your dentist examines the sides of your lips, palate, under the tongue, cheeks, and other areas for any abnormal sores, patches, or lesions. This visual exam is enhanced using an intraoral camera, allowing the dentist to view even the trickiest corners of your mouth.
Your dentist also uses gloved hands to palpitate your neck to check for enlarged lymph nodes. We’ll inspect your gums and jaws for unusual lumps, bumps, or masses. If any abnormal signs are detected, we will schedule a follow-up exam to monitor for changes. If not, we can use special lights and dyes to separate healthy tissues from abnormal ones.
An oral cancer exam is not a definitive diagnosis of mouth cancer. When we spot abnormal signs, we’ll send you to a specialist for a biopsy. This procedure involves taking a small sample of your oral tissues for testing.
Who needs oral cancer screening?
As mentioned, everyone is at risk of oral cancer, which means we all should be screened for it. According to the American Cancer Society, individuals aged 20 and older should be screened once every three years. However, if you are over 40 or at a higher risk for mouth cancer, the exam should be conducted annually. Don’t worry about the frequency! Your oral cancer screening is part of your routine dental check-up, so you don’t need to book a separate appointment.
Are you due for an oral cancer exam?
Don’t let any health concerns go unchecked. Call (631) 352-2330 to schedule an appointment with All City Cosmetic Dental Care for a mouth cancer screening. The procedure is fast and painless but life-saving.
