Oral Cancer Screening in Petaluma, CA
Did you know that almost 42,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral and throat cancers this year?
The good news is that when oral cancer is detected and treated early, there is a high survival rate.
Besides environmental factors, tobacco, sun, age, diet, and alcohol, HPV (human papillomavirus) has a strong link to oral cancer.
At Petaluma Dental Group, we can test you for HPV and will be able to tell you more about your susceptibility to oral cancer. Regular visits to your dentist can also improve the chances that any suspicious changes in your oral health will be caught early, when cancer can be treated more easily.
Please let us know if you have any of these symptoms and they do not disappear after two weeks.
- A sore or irritation that doesn’t go away
- Red or white patches in your mouth
- Pain, tenderness, or numbness in your mouth or lips
- A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust, or small eroded area
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your tongue or jaw
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
Don’t forget to ask your dentist to do your oral cancer screening and HPV testing on your next visit.
FAQs
Oral cancer screenings are commonly included as part of regular dental care. Your dentist may recommend how often you should be screened based on factors such as age, lifestyle habits, health history, and any previous oral health concerns.
People who use tobacco products, drink alcohol regularly, have prolonged sun exposure affecting the lips, or have a history of certain viral infections may face a higher risk.
An oral cancer screening includes an evaluation of the soft tissues throughout the mouth and surrounding areas. The dentist looks for unusual changes in color, texture, or tissue appearance that may warrant additional examination.
Yes. Changes associated with oral cancer are not always noticeable during daily activities. A screening allows a dental professional to assess areas that patients may not routinely examine and identify concerns that deserve closer attention.
Avoiding tobacco use, protecting your lips from excessive sun exposure, and being mindful of alcohol consumption may help reduce known risk factors. Keeping regular dental appointments also provides opportunities for professional oral cancer evaluations.
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