Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
While doctors are the only people who can properly confirm and diagnose oral
cancer, there are ways to perform exams at home for the condition as well.
We recommend that you do so at least once a month as a precaution. The most
common signs of oral cancer development include red or white patches of
tissue forming inside your mouth or on your gums, sores that do not heal
after a two-week period, and lumps, bumps or thickenings of tissue. Keep in
mind that oral cancer can form in the gums, tongue, tonsils, and lining of
the mouth, so it’s important to be very thorough in between routine
checkups.
What Does a Dentist Look for During My Screening?
During an oral screening, dentists are looking for all of the symptoms
mentioned previously. However, they are also on the lookout for asymmetries,
swellings, ulcerations, and other abnormalities that would indicate oral
cancer. Dr. Schumacher uses instruments to evaluate the gums, inner cheeks,
roof of the mouth, throat, and area underneath the tongue.
Keep in mind that oral cancer is always easier to treat when it’s
caught in the early stages of development. The later the stage of oral
cancer, the more difficult treatment is going to be for your cancer moving
forward. This is why it never hurts to get routine screenings done at least
once every six months.
What to Expect During My Screening
Oral cancer screenings are broken down into two categories. This includes
the visual exam and the physical exam. During the visual exam, we use a
dental mirror to closely examine your many oral structures, as well as other
tools to evaluate your mouth’s condition. During the physical portion
of the exam, he touches the head, cheeks, area around the jaw and under the
chin, and the oral cavity. This is done to catch unusual nodules. You may be
asked if you experience discomfort when moving your jaw in any way. You may
also be asked to swallow while your throat is being examined, similar to
what you’d do during an annual exam with a general practitioner.
