Discovering a strange bump in your mouth or noticing an unusual patch that doesn’t heal can trigger immediate concern. Oral cancer, while not the most common cancer type, affects many people with potentially life-altering consequences when detected late. Early detection dramatically improves survival rates, making awareness of warning signs and regular screenings an essential part of your overall health routine.
At JAX Dental Studio, we prioritize comprehensive oral health, which includes thorough oral cancer screenings during your regular dental exams. Our experienced team uses advanced screening techniques to identify concerning changes in your mouth tissues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
What You Should Know About Oral Cancer
Oral cancer refers to cancers that develop in any part of the mouth or the back of the throat. These cancers typically begin in the squamous cells that line the surfaces of the mouth, tongue, and lips, though they can originate in other cell types as well.
Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer. These risk factors include the following:
- Tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Human papillomavirus, HPV, infection
- Prolonged sun exposure to the lips
- Poor nutrition, lacking fruits and vegetables
- Family history of cancer
The rise in HPV-related oral cancers has changed the typical patient profile in recent years. While oral cancer was once primarily associated with older individuals who used tobacco and alcohol, we now see increasing cases in younger patients who have never smoked. For this reason, it is more essential than ever to get routine screenings.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Oral Cancer
Being familiar with the potential warning signs of oral cancer may help you seek prompt evaluation for concerning changes. Pay attention to these possible symptoms:
- Persistent mouth sores that don’t heal within two weeks remain one of the most common warning signs
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth, persistent pain, or difficulty swallowing deserve immediate attention
- White or red patches on the gums, tongue, tonsils, or mouth lining represent another visual indicator that warrants examination
- Persistent sore throat, feeling that something is caught in your throat, or changes in your voice lasting more than two weeks
- Weight loss, ear pain, or jaw pain without apparent cause may also signal potential concerns requiring professional assessment
If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, it is important to schedule a screening as soon as possible.
What is The Oral Cancer Screening Process?
Professional oral cancer screenings involve a systematic examination of your entire oral cavity and related structures. During your regular dental checkups, we perform visual inspections and physical palpation of tissues. A typical screening includes examining the face, neck, lips, mouth, tongue, and throat for abnormalities. We look for asymmetry, discoloration, ulcerations, swellings, or other unusual appearances. We observe the back of your throat and have you stick out your tongue while we gently hold it with gauze to examine all surfaces.
For more thorough evaluations, we may use special instruments like VELscope, which uses fluorescent light to identify abnormal tissues that might not be visible to the naked eye. This technology helps us detect potential issues at their earliest stages.
Why Regular Screenings Matter
When caught in its early stages, oral cancer has significantly improved treatment outcomes and survival rates. Regular dental checkups that include oral cancer screenings provide the opportunity to catch potential issues before they advance. The American Dental Association recommends annual comprehensive oral evaluations, which include cancer screening, even for patients with no symptoms or risk factors.
For those with multiple risk factors, more frequent screenings may be recommended based on individual circumstances. Being proactive about these screenings represents one of the most effective ways to protect yourself against the devastating effects of advanced oral cancer.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening Today
Oral cancer screenings take only a few minutes but can make a life-changing difference in early detection and treatment success. At JAX Dental Studio, we incorporate comprehensive screenings into every complete examination.
Our dedicated team uses advanced screening techniques and maintains up-to-date knowledge on the latest detection methods to provide you with exceptional preventive care. We believe proactive screening represents the best defense against oral cancer and prioritize this vital service for all our patients. To schedule your comprehensive oral examination with cancer screening, call us at (904) 396-4091 or use our contact form.
