Oral Cancer Screenings

Did you know that, with over 30,000 newly reported cases each year, oral cancer ranks as the sixth-deadliest cancer globally? The issue is getting worse among those over 40, especially smokers, smokeless tobacco users, and those who frequently drink alcohol. The good news is that oral cancer is 83 percent curable with early diagnosis and early treatment.

Paying attention to your oral health can go a long way! Early detection of abnormalities that develop in the tissues of your lips, mouth, and throat can help prevent severe health issues like oral cancer.

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Oral Cancer Risk Factors Include:

Any form of tobacco usage, such as chewing tobacco/dab, pipes, cigars, and cigarettes, and vape pens.
Excessive alcohol usage.
Prolonged sun exposure in the past, which raises the likelihood of developing lip cancer.
Oral cancer that has been previously diagnosed.

A growth or sore in the mouth that does not go away might be an indication of oral cancer. If not detected and treated early, oral cancer can be fatal. This includes malignancies of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx (throat),

Some of the Telltale Signs of Oral Cancer Include:

Lips, gums, or other oral tissues that are swollen, thickened, lumpy, eroded, or have rough surfaces.
Oral bleeding for no apparent reason.
Persistent mouth, neck, or face sores that are prone to bleeding and do not improve after two weeks.
The appearance of red, white, or spotty (red and white) patches in the mouth.
Trouble with speaking, moving the jaw or tongue, or having trouble eating or swallowing.
A change in voice, a recurring sore throat, or hoarseness.
A discomfort or sense that something is stuck in the throat’s back.
Any part of the face, mouth, or neck experiencing unexplained numbness, lack of sensation, discomfort, or soreness.
A change in how your dentures or teeth fit together.
Significant weight loss.
Ear pain.

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What To Expect

Dr. Varchetto will check with you for any changes in your medical history and if you have been experiencing any symptoms that are new or out of the ordinary during your routine examination. Afterwards, he will do a full oral examine. This includes:

Gums.
The lips.
From part of the tongue.
Cheek lining.
The floor of your mouth.
The roof of your mouth.

Additionally, Dr. Varchetto will examine:

The back of your tongue.
The region of your mouth where your tongue and bottom teeth are connected.
Your tonsils.
The pharynx, which is the soft tissue on the roof of your mouth.
Your neck and jaw for lumps or other irregularities.

Where Can I Find an Oral Cancer Screening Near Me?

When it comes to early detection, being proactive can make all the difference. That’s why oral cancer screenings are essential!

Are you up-to-date on your oral cancer screenings? If not, call Arlington Dental Arts in Arlington Heights today at (847) 398-0326 and schedule one today!