Regular oral cancer screening helps us identify mouth cancer in its early stages. This makes a huge difference for health outcomes. In fact, with early detection and prompt intervention, survival rates for oral cancer are 80-90%. But sometimes, patients notice worrying signs and are nervous to speak up, even though they know it’s been too long since their last exam and screening. While it’s natural to feel anxious about cancer screenings, it’s dangerous to let that fear take over and lead you to avoid exams that identify cancer before it progresses.
At Carter-Rockbridge General Dentistry, we think knowing is half the battle. At every comprehensive exam, Dr. Stingley performs a thorough, non-invasive oral cancer screening that takes just minutes. She’ll review your medical history, examine any concerning mouth spots, and recommend the best course of action.
By making oral cancer screening a normal part of every routine exam, our practice turns a scary process into something that empowers you to stay well.
What To Expect During the Screening Process
What should you expect from an oral cancer screening?
First, Dr. Stingley assesses your medical history and concerns. She asks about any symptoms and underlying risk factors without judgment.
Then, she performs a visual exam, looking at your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, and throat for sores and white patches. She also examines your face and neck for swelling or visible lumps.
Using a gloved hand, she feels along your jawline and around your neck to check for enlarged lymph nodes and salivary glands.
If something appears unusual, Dr. Stingley will refer you to a follow-up specialist.
The whole process takes just minutes and is non-invasive, but it could help you live a longer, healthier life by identifying oral cancer early.
Signs and Risks of Oral Cancer
Our practice is passionate about prevention, early intervention, and education. So, we want you to be aware of the signs and symptoms that indicate you should see us sooner, for your safety.
If you catch early signs of oral cancer or notice a change in your mouth you can’t explain, you should make a point to come in as soon as possible for a screening. Watch out for concerns like:
- A sore, ulcer, or spot in the mouth that doesn’t heal within a few weeks
- Red or white spots on the gums, cheeks, tongue, or palate that weren’t present before and don’t go away
- Lumps in the mouth or neck
- Unexplained pain, burning, or tenderness in the mouth
Certain lifestyle habits and other parts of your medical history mean you should schedule a screening sooner rather than later. Risk factors for oral cancer include:
- Tobacco use
- Alcohol use
- HPV history
- Being over the age of 40
- Previous history of oral cancer
If any of these risk factors apply to you, taking a proactive approach becomes even more important. Whether you have visible concerns, underlying risk factors, or both, oral cancer screening helps you take prompt action for the best possible outcome. Moving up your next visit is always an option.
Oral Cancer Self-Examinations and Preventive Tips
While Dr. Stingley’s exams catch issues early, you can spot warning signs at home with monthly self-exams.
To perform a self-exam, look at your face, neck, and lips for any swelling, bumps, sores, or discoloration.
Next, examine the gums, inside of your cheeks, tongue, and floor and roof of the mouth for any swelling, lumps, or texture changes.
If you notice anything concerning, give us a call so we can guide you on the next steps and get you in to see Dr. Stingley for an exam.
At home, self-exams are an important tool in identifying oral cancer early, but lifestyle changes help prevent oral cancer from happening in the first place. Some steps in a healthier direction are to quit smoking and keep alcohol use to a minimum. It’s also helpful to get vaccinated for HPV. To protect against damaging UV rays, use an SPF 30+ lip balm. Lastly, be sure to come in for your routine dental exams.
At Carter-Rockbridge General Dentistry, we understand that cancer can be a scary topic to think about. But Dr. Stingley’s pride and joy is making a difference in the lives of patients like you by taking the fear out of screening and early intervention. When you see her for a comprehensive exam, she will support your path toward long-term oral wellness with compassionate, honest advice.
Schedule Your Exam and Oral Cancer Screening Today
Oral cancer screening is a powerful tool that allows for early detection and better treatment outcomes. If you have any visible concerns or underlying risk factors, don’t let fear keep you from coming in. Dr. Stingley routinely screens for oral cancers during comprehensive dental exams to support early detection. She also carefully listens to your concerns and reviews your medical history to identify risk factors. During your visit, she explains how to check for early signs of oral cancer at home between appointments and recommends healthy lifestyle changes to reduce risks.
Dr. Stingley wants to use her knowledge to help your health function as it was intended. To be more proactive about your oral health, schedule your oral cancer screening and dental exam at Carter-Rockbridge General Dentistry today.
