Understand Your Dental Health With An Oral Cancer Check

When it comes to cancer, early detection makes all the difference - and oral cancer is no exception. While it might not be top of mind during your regular dental visit, an oral cancer check is one of the most important parts of your dental exam!

What Is An Oral Cancer Check?

An oral cancer check is crucial to identifying any potential signs of cancer in its early stages. Cancer may spread to other body areas and become more challenging if treatment is delayed. Our trusted dentist screens for signs of oral cancer during regular checkups.

Procedure Process Explained:

Oral Cancer Check: As a part of a routine appointment, our doctor performs a physical examination of different areas of the mouth to check for abnormalities. As part of this oral cancer check, they will inspect for signs of irritation, sores, and discoloration. There are several specific areas that our doctor inspects when performing an oral cancer check. This includes the mouth cavity, tongue, floor, and roof of the mouth, and tonsils.

Further Testing: If there is any sign of potential cancer, our dentist will request further testing to determine the cause. A more thorough oral cancer check is available using dyes or fluorescent lights. In both methods, the dye or light visually reveals potentially cancerous areas. A blue dye is applied throughout the inside of the mouth. All abnormalities will turn to a darker shade of blue. Using fluorescent light in the mouth, potentially cancerous tissue will appear differently from healthy tissue. If needed, a tissue sample is taken from the area in question to get it tested in a lab. The lab will check the sample for any signs of cancer. Even if cancer is not found, this testing method is also effective in identifying any indicators that a person is at risk of cancer in the future.

It is important to visit our caring dentist regularly for oral cancer checks. It is especially important for patients with heavy alcohol use, who use tobacco of any kind, who have a history of cancer in the family, and who have poor oral health. Call us today for your oral cancer check in Longmont!