Oral Cancer Screening: A Simple Test That Could Save Your Life

Champlain Smile Solutions offers oral cancer screenings in South Burlington, Vermont, to catch the condition at its earliest, most treatable stage. Oral cancer exams are quick and painless, but they can potentially save a life. Scale up your preventive care today by scheduling an oral cancer exam with Drs. Matthew and Kay Giulianelli today.

What are the symptoms of oral cancer?

Oral cancer can occur anywhere in the mouth, including lips, cheeks, tongue, and throat. Recognizing the symptoms of oral cancer is crucial for early detection and treatment. Although less serious conditions may cause these symptoms, visit your doctor to rule out the possibility of mouth cancer. 

  • Mouth sores that persist for more than two weeks
  • Red or white patches in your mouth
  • Unexplained pain, bleeding, or numbness in your mouth
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • A lump or rough patches in your mouth

Unfortunately, these symptoms manifest when oral cancer is at an advanced stage. That’s why regular screenings are essential to detect serious problems early, even before symptoms manifest.

Who is at risk of oral cancer?

Anyone, old and young, can get oral cancer. However, exposure to certain risks increases the chances of mouth cancer. 

These include: 

  • Smoking
  • Exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Heavy alcohol intake
  • Excessive sunlight exposure to the lips
  • A family history of cancer
  • Gender—men are at a higher risk of mouth cancer than women

We recommend regular screenings for everyone because anyone is at risk. Regular check-ups catch the disease before it advances and becomes costly and difficult to treat.

What can I expect during mouth cancer screening?

Oral cancer screenings are painless and take about 5 minutes to complete. Before the procedure, the dentist will request that you remove aligners, dentures, and other appliances to have an unobstructed view of your mouth. 

The dentist will visually inspect your tongue, lips, cheeks, etc., for sores, patches, and other unusual signs. We’ll also use gloved hands to feel lumps and masses in your cheeks, throat, and other areas. Special lights and dyes can sometimes be used to examine suspect areas further. 

If we identify suspicious issues, we recommend a biopsy to determine the nature of the abnormality. Remember, not all abnormalities are cancerous. A biopsy is the definitive method for diagnosing cancer. It involves removing a small tissue sample from the affected area for laboratory analysis to check for the presence of cancerous or precancerous cells.

Why do oral cancer screenings matter?

Mouth cancer kills at least one American every hour! Unfortunately, oral cancer shows visible signs when it’s advanced, making treatment costly and less effective. Mouth cancer screenings spot changes in the mouth early, leading to better treatment outcomes.

A mouth cancer exam also brings peace of mind. You are no longer worried about your health. Many patients feel relieved after an oral cancer exam, and these screenings are incorporated into their regular dental care routine.

Ready for a mouth cancer exam?

Many oral cancer cases are discovered late because people skip regular screenings. Champlain Smile Solutions includes painless mouth cancer screenings in your regular dental check-ups. Call (802) 899-9486 and schedule an appointment today with our team. Let’s up protect your health with this simple proactive step.