Oral Cancer Screening in Howell, NJ: A Potentially Life-Saving Check-up
Most people visit their dentist to have their teeth and gums checked. However, every dental exam at Howell Family Smiles includes oral cancer screening. This non-invasive part of your dental check-up takes a few minutes, yet it has the potential to save lives.
When was the last time you had an oral cancer exam? Has it been months or years? Wherever you are in your oral health journey, it’s never too late to take a proactive step toward protecting your well-being. Schedule an appointment with our office in Howell, New Jersey, and our team will help you reclaim your optimal well-being.
What is oral cancer?
Oral cancer refers to malignant tissues that develop in any part of the mouth or the back of the mouth (oropharynx). This includes the tongue, lips, palate, inner cheeks, throat, and gums. Like most cancers, oral cancer rarely shows symptoms until it has progressed. That’s why routine oral cancer screenings are essential, helping catch abnormalities that may go unnoticed at home.
Still, it’s important to pay attention to early signs of mouth cancer, which include:
- Red or white patches in the inner lining of the mouth
- A sore throat that doesn’t improve after two weeks
- Changes in how your dentures or aligners fit
- Hoarseness or changes in your voice
- Difficulty or painful swallowing
- A mouth sore or lesion that doesn’t heal within two weeks
- Unexplained numbness or pain in the mouth
The above symptoms don’t mean you have oral cancer. In fact, many have benign (non-cancerous) explanations. However, any symptom that persists requires professional examination for peace of mind and to rule out anything serious.
What does an oral cancer exam involve?
Getting an oral cancer screening in Howell, NJ, is a quick, comfortable, and non-invasive procedure. It typically involves:
- Visual examination: The dentist visually examines your lips, gums, tongue, roof, and floor of your mouth for abnormal sores, discoloration, or patches.
- Physical examination: The dentist uses gloved hands to palpate your throat and neck for any unusual bumps or swellings.
An oral cancer exam takes about five minutes. The process is also very comfortable. The dentist will ask you to remove any dentures and stick out your tongue and move it side to side to ensure a thorough examination. Should we find anything suspicious, we’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor progress. If the area does not improve or raises further concern, we’ll recommend further testing with a biopsy.
Who needs oral cancer screening?
Everyone. Oral cancer doesn’t discriminate and can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. That’s why we recommend oral cancer screenings at least once annually. However, if you have the following risk factors, consider more frequent screenings:
- Prolonged sun exposure to the lips
- Tobacco use
- Exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV-16)
- Heavy alcohol use
- Poor diet
- Aged over 40
Routine cancer screenings help with early detection, which is crucial for prognosis. Patients diagnosed with oral cancer at stage 1 or 2 have a five-year survival rate of over 80-90%. However, this rate drops below 50% if the disease is diagnosed late.
Where can I get an oral cancer exam in Howell, NJ?
Dentists are the front line of defense for detecting possible oral cancers. We can detect even the smallest changes during dental examinations. If you haven’t had an oral exam recently, it’s never too late to reclaim your optimal oral health. Call (732) 333-6586 and schedule an appointment with Howell Family Smiles, serving Howell, Freehold, Jackson, Farmingdale, Lakewood, and beyond.
