Oral Cancer Exam
Dr. Anderson will look for abnormalities and feel the face, neck, and glands for anything out of the ordinary, such as lumps or bumps. This is totally painless. Inside of the mouth, she will look for sores and red or white patches. She will check the top, sides, and under the tongue, as well as, the inside of the cheeks and lips. Any hard or raised lesions or bleeding areas will also be examined, including thickening of tissue in the mouth or throat.
If Dr. Anderson detects any abnormalities, she will recommend a treatment plan for you. Treatment options vary depending on the exact diagnosis but, may include: biopsy, excision, radiation, and chemotherapy.
It’s important to remember that the majority of oral cancers are linked to avoidable behaviors such as smoking, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol use.
In between dental visits, it is important for patients to be aware of the following signs and symptoms, and to see their dentist if they do not disappear after two weeks.
- A sore or irritation that doesn’t go away
- Red or white patches
- Pain, tenderness or numbness in mouth or lips
- A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your jaw or tongue
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth