Oral Cancer Screenings in Independence, KY

Having regular dental checkups will help you ward off problems with your teeth. But your dentist is also looking to catch signs of oral cancer so that you can get early treatment if needed. The early detection of precancerous tissue can minimize, even eliminate the potentially disfiguring effects of oral cancer, saving your life. When mouth cancer is found in its later stages, treatment is expensive and has a poor survival rate. At Peter Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we use state-of-the-art technology to spot and diagnose oral cancer in its earliest stage when it’s more treatable.

What are Oral Cancer Screenings?

An oral cancer screening is an examination performed by a dentist or doctor to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. The goal of oral cancer screenings is to identify mouth cancer early when there are more treatment options. These tests are usually carried out during your regular dental visits.

What is Oral Cancer? 

Oral cancer refers to cancer that develops in or around the mouth. Mouth cancer can occur on the lips, gums, tongue, roof of the mouth, the inner lining of the cheeks, throat, sinuses, or the floor of the mouth under the tongue.

Why Would a Dentist Recommend an Oral Cancer Screening?

Oral cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. Oral cancer screening helps identify early signs of cancer, and prompt treatment reduces the likelihood that precancerous cells will become malignant. Scheduling dentist appointments every six months ensures regular oral cancer screenings.

Oral Cancer Symptoms

Early signs of mouth cancer may be mistaken for other problems, such as a toothache or cold. If symptoms persist for several weeks or months, it is essential to come to see Dr. Jeffrey D. Peter, DMD, so that it may be diagnosed as soon as possible if oral cancer is present. Signs and symptoms of oral cancer may include:

• A lip or mouth sore that doesn’t heal

• A white or reddish patch on the inside of your mouth

• Loose teeth

• Dramatic weight loss

• A growth or lump inside your mouth

• Mouth pain

• Ear pain

• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue

• Unexplained numbness, loss of feeling, or pain/tenderness in any area of the face, mouth, or neck

If you notice any of these changes, contact Peter Family and Cosmetic Dentistry immediately.

What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening? 

During the oral cancer screening, Dr. Jeffrey D. Peter, DMD, will examine the neck, head, face, and oral cavity for any type of abnormalities, such as bumps, patches of color, ulcerations, and swelling. All areas of the mouth will be examined, including the roof, tonsils, inner cheeks, gums, and tongue. If you wear oral appliances, such as dentures and retainers, you’ll have to take them out so that we can check the tissue beneath them. 

The dentist will also palpate the jaw, neck, under the chin, and outside cheeks to feel for any unusual masses or firm nodules. We’ll look for abnormalities and feel the face, glands, lips, and neck for unusual bumps. If we find an abnormality during the screening, we’ll take a sample of the cells in question and send it out to the lab to test it for cancer cells.

Oral Cancer Causes / Increased Risk Factors

According to the American Cancer Society, men face twice the risk of developing oral cancer as women, and men over age 50 face the most risk. Some of the factors that can increase your risk of mouth cancer include:

• Heavy alcohol use

• Poor nutrition

• Using tobacco of any kind, such as cigarettes, pipes, cigars, snuff, and chewing tobacco

• Previous cancer diagnosis

• Excess body weight

• Many cancers usually take many years to develop, so they’re not common in young people.

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in the mouth – HPV is the leading cause of oropharyngeal cancer, the fastest-growing type of head and neck cancer.

• Genetic syndromes like Fanconi anemia or dyskeratosis congenita 

• History of significant sun exposure, which increases the risk of lip cancer

How Much Do Oral Cancer Screenings Cost?

Dental insurance plans typically cover oral cancer screenings as preventive services for 100 percent of the cost.

Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening Appointment Today!

Regular oral cancer screenings can save your life. At Peter Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide comprehensive oral cancer screenings in Independence, KY, as a part of your routine dental exam. We will check your mouth, face, head, and neck areas for abnormalities. For more information on oral cancer screenings or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.