Understanding the Importance of Regular Oral Cancer Screenings in Bloomfield, NM

7 hours ago

Introduction

When was the last time you looked inside your mouth, under your tongue, or along your cheeks?

“I am not sure.”

If this is your answer, then you are not alone. Studies have shown that around 59,660 Americans are affected by oral cancer each year, and these just represent 2.9% of all new U.S. cancers.

Oral cancer is primarily a silent threat, and early detection remains the single most significant factor that separates a routine procedure from a life-altering diagnosis. That’s why we at Sundance Smiles in NM emphasize regular, proactive screenings as a part of our comprehensive oral cancer screening services.

In this article, we will delve into oral cancer in more detail, discussing the importance of regular screenings, breaking down each step, and providing additional information.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral Cancer Screening in Bloomfield, NM, refers to the examination of the mouth and upper throat for signs of abnormal cell growth. This includes the lips, tongue, inner cheeks, floor of the mouth, palate of the mouth, sinuses, and the back of the throat.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer to Watch Out For

Oral cancer can often go unnoticed, as we mentioned before. This is because in its early stages, most of its symptoms are minor. However, early detection is essential for successful treatment.

We will discuss some of the common signs below. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms for more than two weeks, you must consult your dentist right away.

Persistent Mouth Sores

A sore or ulcer in the mouth or on the lip is a preliminary sign of oral cancer. Although there can be multiple reasons behind mouth sores, if they do not heal within 14 days, then you should be alert. It may bleed easily or feel painful.

Lumps or Thickened Areas

Lumps, bumps, or areas of thickening in the cheeks, lips, gums, or throat that might feel firm or rough when touched. If you notice some uneven areas in your oral cavity, it’s time to visit a dentist in Bloomfield, NM.

Red or White Patches

White patches on the gums, tongue, or inside cheeks are also known as leukoplakia. Red patches that may bleed or feel velvety, known as erythroplakia, can also serve as warning signs.

Pain or Difficulty in Swallowing

Difficulty with pain or swelling around the neck or pain while chewing or swallowing food or drinks.

Chronic Hoarseness or Sore Throat

If you are experiencing persistent throat pain that is not linked to a cold or infection, or if your voice is suddenly hoarse and doesn’t go away, then seek medical care immediately.

Numbness or Tingling

Numbness in the tongue, lips, or other areas of the mouth, and any tingling sensation without any legitimate cause.

Loose Teeth Without Dental Cause

You may feel that your teeth are becoming loose or shifting, even without any signs of gum disease. That’s not a good sign.

When to See A Dentist?

If you experience any of the symptoms, do not ignore them simply because they are painless. The stakes in such cases are high, and early diagnosis is the best way to treat it.

Imagine two patients who discovered a lesion on the side of the tongue. While one of them got it diagnosed during this routine six-month dental visit, the other dismisses it.

The one whose lesion was diagnosed during the regular check will receive immediate medical attention. The spot will be biopsied immediately, and treatment will be started at an early, localized stage. While the latter waited until swallowing became painful. In that case, the cancer is no longer localised and it has already spread to the cervical lymph nodes.

In other words, the difference between catching cancer early and late can double your odds of living a whole, healthy life.

What Happens During A Cancer Screening?

If you are avoiding screening because you are scared of needles, complicated machinery, or radiation, then you are entirely wrong! The truth is that oral cancer screening is quick, non-invasive, and completely painless.

At Sundance Dental, the following steps are involved in an oral screening procedure-

Step 1: Visual Inspection

Our dentist will start your screening session with a thorough visual check of your mouth and surrounding areas. They will ask you to open your mouth wide, stick out your tongue, and try to get a better view of your throat and soft palate using a bright overhead light and a mouth mirror.

In this visual examination, they will inspect your lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, floor of your mouth, and hard and soft palate, along with your tonsils and throat. They will check for any red or white patches, lumps, swellings, ulcers, colour changes, or any persistent bleeding spots.

Step 2: Manual Examination

Once the visual inspection is complete, the next phase is palpation, where your dentist will manually inspect your mouth area by gently pressing and feeling for lumps, nodules, or any unusual firmness.

This is done around your neck, throat, inside and under your cheeks, the sides of your face, and around your jawline. It’s done as some cancerous growths might develop beneath the surface and may not be visible, but can be felt.

Step 3: Discussion of Health History and Symptoms

The screening process is not just physical, but also involves a brief discussion about your lifestyle and any symptoms you may have noticed. This discussion allows your dentist to determine where more frequent screenings or additional tests are needed.

Step 4: Use of Adjunctive Screening Tools

At Sundance Dental in Bloomfield, NM, we take it a step further by utilizing advanced adjunctive technologies for screening. There are also specific lights that can help detect unhealthy tissues in your mouth.

To use this instrument, your healthcare professional will instruct you to rinse your mouth with fluorescent mouthwash. Then they’ll beam a special light into your mouth, making healthy tissue seem black and diseased tissue appear white.

How Often Should You Undergo Cancer Screenings?

Our staff is dedicated to giving patients healthy, attractive smiles. We scan for oral cancer as part of our monthly exams. This test can help identify several forms of cancer that may develop and should be performed at each recall session.

However, if there are any symptoms of new growth or unexpected changes in the mouth that require a screening, one may be performed between routine recall visits.

Takeaway

Oral cancer is primarily a silent threat, and early detection remains the single most significant factor in affecting a smile.
In this visual examination, dentists inspect your lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and floor of your mouth.
Difficulty with pain or swelling around the neck, or pain while chewing or swallowing food or drinks, is a worrying sign; visit your dentist at the earliest opportunity.
Prevention is better than a cure, and you can prevent it today. Connect with our experts at Sundance Dental Bloomfield today!