Oral Cancer Screening
Portland, OR
 Oral cancer is the largest group of head and neck cancers. It can appear just about anywhere in the mouth, including your lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, or the back of mouth near the entrance to your throat. Untreated, oral cancer is a devastating disease that can be fatal. Early detection and treatment is essential for stopping the progression of oral cancer, restoring your health, and can be lifesaving. At West End Dental, we are trained at detecting the earliest stages of oral cancer and perform oral cancer screenings at every routine dental exam.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
The earliest symptoms of oral cancer are very difficult to detect. By the time you begin to notice any symptoms, the condition has progressed into something more serious. Cancer may have begun to spread, making it more difficult to treat effectively. Early detection and treatment are key. Some of the symptoms of oral cancer include:
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Unusual growths, or red or white patches, on the soft tissues of your mouth.
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Sores that refuse to heal.
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Your bite changes.
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A numb sensation in your chin.
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Trouble biting, speaking, or swallowing. |
Am I at Risk?
Oral cancer can affect anyone. However, there are certain factors that can increase your risk. Some factors are controllable, while others are not. Common risk factors include:
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Family history. If a close blood relative has suffered oral cancer, your risk is higher.
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Your age. The older you are, the greater your risk.
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Your sex. Men are more likely to develop oral cancer than women. Men over the age of 55 are at the greatest risk.
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Lifestyle factors. Tobacco use and alcohol consumption are both significant contributing factors. Approximately 90% of all oral cancer patients have smoked or used tobacco products, while around 70 to 80% of patients have been heavy drinkers.
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Certain strains of HPV. There are several strains of the human papilloma virus or HPV. Only a handful of these strains are linked to oral cancer, with HPV16 having the strongest connection. |
How is an Oral Cancer Screening Done?
We are experienced at detecting the earliest stages of oral cancer and can detect its presence before you ever notice any symptoms. This is one of the reasons why your routine dental exams are so important. During your dental exam, we look over the soft tissues of your mouth, checking for any unusual growths or other abnormalities. We assess your bite and check your face and neck for swelling. The oral cancer screening is very quick and completely painless.
What if an Abnormality is Found?
If we do detect anything unusual, a closer examination for diagnosis is required. During this examination, we look over the abnormality and take X-rays of your mouth. A soft tissue biopsy may also be performed. With a soft tissue biopsy, we remove a small sample of the soft tissue so that it can be examined under a microscope. The microscope allows us to detect the presence of precancerous or cancerous cells, which enables us to diagnose the condition or rule it out. If oral cancer is diagnosed, you are then recommended for further treatment.
Oral cancer can be scary. Early detection and treatment are key. This is why we provide oral cancer screenings at every routine dental exam. To schedule your next dental exam, or if you notice anything unusual in your mouth, call West End Dental today at (503) 446-2957.
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