At StoneRidge Dental Care, we take a whole-patient approach to dental care that focuses not just on keeping a patient’s teeth and gums healthy, but the entire body, too.
In addition to promoting general wellness with preventative and restorative dental care, we provide oral cancer screenings during every routine hygiene appointment. This proactive measure ensures that we are looking out for your total well-being, allowing for peace of mind at every checkup in Gahanna, OH.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer refers to any abnormal growth of cancerous cells in the oral cavity or mouth. It is a serious condition that can manifest in various areas, including the tongue, lips, cheeks, hard and soft palates, jaws, gums, and throat. Because these areas are easily accessible during a dental exam, your dentist is often the first line of defense in identifying potential issues.
Recognizing The Signs & Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of oral cancer can sometimes be subtle or mimic less serious conditions. However, if you notice any of the following, it is important to have them evaluated by our team:
- Lumps, bumps, or thickening of the soft tissues in or around the mouth.
- Sores that do not heal or go away on their own within two weeks.
- White, red, or speckled patches in the mouth.
- The feeling of having something caught in the throat or difficulty swallowing.
- Unexplained hoarseness or a persistent change in your voice.
- Chronic bad breath or pain in the mouth, throat, face, or ears.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck that do not subside.
The Critical Importance Of Early Detection
Like all types of cancer, oral cancer is more easily and successfully treated when detected and addressed early. Although regular oral cancer screening is not required by any official medical protocol, StoneRidge Dental Care performs routine oral cancer screening as an added precaution in preserving the overall health of our patients in Gahanna, OH, Blacklick, New Albany, and beyond. Catching abnormalities in the “pre-cancerous” stage can significantly improve long-term outcomes and simplify the necessary treatment.
Understanding Oral Cancer Risk Factors
Over 50,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer in the United States each year. Certain risk factors make an individual more likely to develop the condition, including:
- Tobacco use of any kind, including cigarettes, cigars, and smokeless tobacco.
- Excessive alcohol consumption or regularly swishing with mouthwash containing alcohol.
- A previous oral cancer diagnosis or a family history of the disease.
- Significant sun exposure, which primarily increases the risk of lip cancer.
- Age and gender: Individuals over 40 are at higher risk, and men are twice as likely as women to be diagnosed.
What To Expect During Your Screening
During an oral cancer screening, our dental professionals visually examine your oral cavity, looking for abnormalities, as well as feeling your soft tissues, neck, and jawline for unusual lumps or asymmetries. The process is quick, painless, and integrated seamlessly into your routine exam. If anything unusual is detected, we then talk with you about further steps, such as diagnostic testing, biopsy, or a referral for follow-up appointments.
Enhanced Detection With VELscope® Technology
In addition to looking and feeling for abnormalities, we offer an enhanced oral cancer screening using a VELscope. The VELscope is a tool equipped with a special fluorescent light designed to aid in the early detection of abnormal tissues and cancerous lesions that might not be visible to the naked eye.
With the VELscope, we can perform incredibly thorough screenings, helping patients detect the earliest signs of potential concern and seek further evaluation with their primary care providers or an oncologist. This advanced technology allows us to see beneath the surface, providing a level of diagnostic detail that traditional exams cannot match.
Prioritize Your Health
To learn more about the importance of oral cancer screening or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Conkey, Dr. Moberger, or Dr. Patel, we welcome you to contact our dental office serving Gahanna, OH, Blacklick, and New Albany, today. We are dedicated to providing the comprehensive care you need to protect your smile and your health for years to come.