Oral Cancer Screening![]() Risk Factors for Oral CancerOral cancer can affect anyone. However, there are certain factors that can increase your risk. These risk factors include:
What are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?When oral cancer first begins, it can be difficult to detect. You might never even know that there was anything wrong. By the time those with oral cancer begin to notice any symptoms, cancer has begun to spread, making it more difficult to treat. Symptoms of oral cancer include:
Your Oral Cancer ScreeningOral cancer screenings are performed at every routine dental exam. We are highly experienced in detecting symptoms of the earliest stages of oral cancer, allowing you to get the treatment you need right away before more serious consequences arise. During your dental exams, we look over your intraoral tissues, checking for any unusual growths, lesions, or other abnormalities. We assess your bite and check for swelling in your face and neck. The entire process is quick and painless. What if Something is Found?If something unusual is found in your mouth, a closer examination is required. In addition to visually examining the abnormality, we take X-rays of your mouth. We may also perform a soft tissue biopsy. A biopsy involves removing a small portion of the soft tissue for closer examination under a microscope. With this type of testing, we can see abnormal cells, allowing us to diagnose, or rule out, the presence of oral cancer. If you are diagnosed with oral cancer, we can then help you to get the treatment you need right away. Oral cancer screenings are performed at every routine dental exam. With early detection, we can help you to get the treatment you need right away. Call Sylvan Heights Dental at (503) 388-5882 for more information and to schedule your appointment today. |