Oral Cancer Screening Branford

Early Detection Saves Lives

Relaxed female patient making thumbs-up gesture

Oral cancer takes thousands of lives every year. Sadly, many people who do not smoke believe they could never develop this disease. The truth is that anyone can become a victim of oral cancer, meaning that regular screenings are extremely important. Remember, early detection saves lives! Our Branford team is proud to offer simple but thorough oral cancer screenings — in fact, we include this service as part of a routine preventive exam. Continue reading below to learn more about screenings and how they work.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Illustration showing spots of cancer in mouth and throat

All adults should get screened for oral cancer at least once a year. It is especially important to get checked if you are experiencing any of the following signs and symptoms:

Unexplained changes in your voice.
The sensation that something is always stuck in your throat.
A sore or lesion that has not healed within 10 days or so. (In some cases, these spots are painless.)
Difficulty with swallowing or chewing.
A lump or bump that appears unexpectedly.
A persistent sore throat.
Unexplained fluctuations in your weight.
Strange or discolored patches of tissue in your mouth or on your lips.

What Does My Dentist Look for During an Oral Cancer Screening?

Questionnaire about oral cancer risk

Our team will look for all the above signs and symptoms during your oral cancer screening. We will also be sure to ask about your medical history and lifestyle, both of which could have a bearing on your risk of oral cancer.

Some risk factors that we commonly check for include:

A history of smoking and/or heavy drinking.
Human papilloma virus (HPV).
Any illnesses that could weaken your immune system.
Frequent or severe sunburns to your face and lip area.
Increasing age.

What Can I Expect During My Screening?

Dentist and patient having a serious conversation

An oral cancer screening is painless and quick. Your dentist or another member of our team will perform a visual examination of your oral tissues, looking for any abnormalities that might be a cancerous growth. They will also palpate (touch) certain areas of your neck to check for swollen lymph nodes and other potential signs of cancer.

If they discover any cause for concern, that does not necessarily mean that you have cancer. What it does mean is that the area should be monitored, and you may need to undergo additional testing. If necessary, we can help you arrange for a biopsy or another test that can officially confirm the presence of cancer. If you receive a cancer diagnosis, you can start working with your care team to formulate a treatment plan.