Oral Cancer Screenings
in Anderson, IN
At Edgewood Family Dentistry, your overall health is just as important as your smile. Oral cancer can develop without symptoms that are obvious to patients, so regular screenings are essential for early detection and successful treatment. While it’s a serious condition, oral cancer is highly curable when it is diagnosed and treated early. To learn more about our preventive services and schedule your next visit, please contact us!
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What are common signs of oral cancer?
Some of the most common signs of oral cancer include:
- Sores in the mouth that don’t heal
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or cheeks
- Lumps, bumps, or thickened areas in the mouth
- Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Numbness or pain in the mouth or jaw
What does an oral cancer screening involve?
During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will carefully examine your mouth, lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat for any abnormalities or warning signs. We’ll check for sores, discoloration, lumps, or changes in tissue texture. Please let us know during your visits if you’ve noticed any recent changes or abnormalities as well. Oral cancer screenings are quick, painless, and a normal part of routine dental exams. If anything suspicious is found, we may recommend further testing or a referral for a biopsy.
Who should schedule an oral cancer screening?
We recommend that all adults have regular oral cancer screenings, especially those over age 40 or with risk factors such as tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, family history of oral cancer, or a history of HPV. Screenings are an important part of preventive dental care, and if you let our team know that you have a higher risk of developing oral cancer, we will be sure that these important screenings are always included with your routine checkups.
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