Oral Cancer Screenings – Crown Point, IN
Helping You Monitor Your Oral Health at Every Checkup
Oral Cancer Screenings
Typically, preventative dentistry is all about preventing dental disasters from occurring. But cancer is a complex health issue, so it’s not necessarily that simple. Fortunately, oral cancer treatments are usually effective when the disease is caught early. “Prevention” is more about monitoring your mouth on a regular basis to check for warning signs and addressing concerning symptoms promptly. At Ornelas Family Dentistry of Crown Point, we screen for oral cancer during every checkup and cleaning appointment. Rest assured, if Dr. Ornelas notices anything suspicious, he’ll let you know right away and help you plan out your next steps.
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Signs of oral cancer can seem fairly normal or benign at first glance. Just to be safe, we encourage patients to schedule a screening if they experience any of these symptoms:
- Difficulties with chewing or swallowing (which includes discomfort).
- The persistent feeling of having something stuck in your throat.
- Vocal changes.
- Lip or mouth sores that linger after two weeks.
- Tongue numbness.
- White, red, speckled, thickened, or otherwise abnormal patches of tissue.
- Lumps, bumps, or other strange masses around the mouth, jaw, or neck.
What Does a Dentist Look for During an Oral Cancer Screening?
Dr. Ornelas will check for the symptoms listed above. As a qualified professional, he’s able to differentiate between something that’s relatively harmless and something that should be investigated further. He’ll also go over your general health history and take note of any oral cancer risk factors, such as:
- Age
- HPV infection
- A weakened immune system
- Smoking, chewing tobacco, and excessive alcohol consumption
- Sunburns, especially on or near the lips
What Can I Expect During My Screening?
Our oral cancer screenings in Crown Point are simple and non-invasive. Dr. Ornelas will visually examine your mouth, lips, jaw, and throat, and may also gently touch these areas to test for lumps, bumps, and tenderness. Then, one of our skilled hygienists will perform a second screening and compare their results to Dr. Ornelas’ findings. This helps ensure the accuracy of your exam.
Sometimes what Dr. Ornelas finds is completely benign. If he has cause for concern, he’ll ask you to return for a follow-up after 10 to 14 days, or will refer you to a specialist. No matter the outcome, you can trust that Dr. Ornelas will help you every step of the way. A follow-up request or referral doesn’t necessarily mean you have oral cancer, so try not to worry and let our team take care of you.