Oral Cancer Screening

Oral Cancer Screening in Farmington Hills, MI – Early Detection Saves Lives

At Smile at Life Dentistry, we prioritize your overall health, which includes offering routine oral cancer screenings as part of our comprehensive dental care. Oral cancer can develop in any part of the mouth or throat, and early detection is key to successful treatment. Our thorough screenings are designed to identify any signs of oral cancer at an early stage, giving you the best chance for effective treatment and a positive outcome.

What is Oral Cancer Screening?

Oral cancer screening is a simple and non-invasive examination performed by a dentist to check for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in the mouth, throat, and surrounding areas. The goal is to detect oral cancer early when it's easier to treat. During the screening, we’ll look for abnormalities such as sores, lumps, or discolored patches that may indicate the presence of cancerous or precancerous cells.

Oral cancer can affect:

• The lips
• The tongue
• The cheeks
• The gums
• The floor of the mouth
• The roof of the mouth
• The throat

Why is Oral Cancer Screening Important?

Early detection of oral cancer is critical because it significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. Oral cancer often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, so regular screenings are crucial for catching it before it progresses. Risk factors such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, HPV infection, and family history of cancer can increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer, making regular screenings even more essential. By identifying potential issues early, we can recommend further tests or treatments, if necessary, to address any concerns before they become more serious.

Who Should Get an Oral Cancer Screening?

While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain individuals are at higher risk and should have regular screenings. You should consider regular oral cancer screenings if you:

• Use tobacco (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or smokeless tobacco)
• Drink alcohol heavily
• Have been diagnosed with HPV (human papillomavirus), which can increase your risk of oral cancer
• Have a family history of cancer
• Spend a lot of time in the sun, as this can increase the risk of lip cancer
• Are over the age of 40 (though oral cancer can affect younger individuals as well)

We recommend that all adults undergo an oral cancer screening during their routine dental checkups, even if they do not have any known risk factors.

What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?

An oral cancer screening is quick, painless, and can be done during your regular dental checkup. Here’s what you can expect during the screening:

• Visual Examination: We will thoroughly examine your mouth, lips, gums, tongue, and throat for any visible signs of abnormalities, such as sores, red or white patches, lumps, or swelling.
• Physical Examination: Using gloved hands, we will gently feel around your jaw, neck, and lymph nodes to detect any unusual lumps or masses that could indicate oral cancer.
• Additional Testing (If Needed): If we notice anything unusual, we may recommend additional tests or a biopsy to determine whether the area in question is cancerous or precancerous. In some cases, we may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.

The entire screening takes just a few minutes and is an important step in maintaining your overall health.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

While oral cancer often doesn’t present symptoms in its early stages, there are some warning signs you should be aware of:

• Sores or ulcers in the mouth that don’t heal within two weeks
• Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
• Lumps or thickened areas inside the mouth or on the neck
• Difficulty swallowing or feeling like something is stuck in your throat
• Numbness or pain in the tongue or other areas of the mouth
• Persistent hoarseness or changes in your voice
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible. While these symptoms don’t always indicate cancer, it’s best to have them evaluated by a professional.

Preventing Oral Cancer

While not all cases of oral cancer are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Quit smoking or using tobacco products
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Use lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from sun exposure
• Maintain good oral hygiene and have regular dental checkups
• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which contain cancer-fighting antioxidants
• Get vaccinated for HPV to reduce your risk of HPV-related cancers

By adopting these healthy habits and staying proactive with regular oral cancer screenings, you can significantly lower your risk of developing oral cancer.

Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening Today

At Smile at Life Dentistry, we care about your overall health, which is why we offer oral cancer screenings as part of our comprehensive dental care. Early detection is key to successfully treating oral cancer, so don’t wait—schedule your screening today and stay proactive about your health.
Call us at 248-553-3553 or text us to book your appointment. Let us help you maintain a healthy smile and peace of mind with regular oral cancer screenings.