Oral Cancer Screening Services for Litchfield Park, AZ, Patients
Regular oral cancer screenings are essential, as early detection and treatment are key for recovery. While our dental professionals here at Burns Dentistry always check for signs of oral cancer during routine cleanings and other regular appointments, we also offer dedicated oral cancer screening appointments for our patients in Litchfield Park, Arizona. Whether you’ve noticed potential symptoms of the disease or you are at high risk and require more frequent screenings, we’ll see you as soon as possible for an exam.
Risk Factors & Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Knowing the risk factors for oral cancer can help you determine whether you should be screened more frequently than your biannual check-ups. Some common risk factors for oral cancer include:
- A history of oral cancer (it can recur)
- Using tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff
- A history of heavy sun exposure
- Previous infection with human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Heavy alcohol use
Additionally, it’s a good idea to schedule an oral cancer screening with a dentist right away if you notice symptoms like:
- Rough or white patches in your mouth
- Sores that won’t heal
- Unexplained changes in the position of your teeth
- New and unexplained asymmetries in your mouth, such as lumps, bumps, or swelling
When you visit us for a screening, you’ll be asked to remove any dental appliances (such as dentures) so we can gently examine all of the soft tissue in your mouth, including:
- Your gums
- Your tongue
- Your palate
- The back of your throat
- All the soft tissues within your mouth
If we find anything that may be cancer, we’ll refer you to a specialist for additional testing and follow-up care.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening Today
At Burns Dentistry, we offer thorough oral cancer screenings to help ensure timely detection and intervention. If you have any of the risk factors or have noticed any of the symptoms listed above, contact our Litchfield Park, AZ, office right away to schedule your screening.
