Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral Cancer Screenings in Columbia, SC

Oral or mouth cancer affects the tongue, lips, floor of the mouth, gums, and inner lining of the cheeks. Oral cancer can affect anyone. However, the risk of oral cancer increases with age, with individuals aged 50 and above facing a more significant chance of contracting mouth cancer.

A tried and tested way of preventing oral cancer is by scheduling regular oral cancer screenings in Columbia, SC. Oral cancer screenings near you are a crucial component of preventive dentistry and are highly recommended for individuals of all ages. If you’re 20 and above, our dentist near you recommends checking for oral cancer every three years. Individuals aged 50 and above should get oral screening for mouth cancer annually.

Symptoms and Causes of Oral Cancer

As with other cancers, mouth cancer develops when cells mutate and grow abnormally. Several factors may trigger this abnormal mutation, including the human papillomavirus (HPV), excessive sun exposure, excessive tobacco use, genetic predisposition, and a weakened immune system.

Symptoms of oral cancer include bad breath, mouth or lip sores, pain when swallowing, lumps, earache, loose teeth, unexplained bleeding, white or red patches, and lip, facial, or chin numbness.

If you’ve been showing any of these symptoms, it’s of paramount importance that you get checked by our dentist in Columbia, SC, right away. Contact Premier Smile Center to schedule a comprehensive evaluation.

Components of Oral Cancer Screenings

Dr. Glenn Smith begins your oral cancer screening session by checking for obvious signs of mouth cancer, as listed in the previous section. After visually inspecting the oral cavity for worrisome signs, our dentist may choose to use dental imaging to gather in-depth insights into your dental health. In addition, our dentist might also use a special oral cancer screening dye or light to highlight any cancerous tissues in your mouth.

If any oral cancer indicators are detected, Dr. Glenn Smith orders a biopsy test. Remember, oral cancer screenings near you aren’t diagnostic. Only after a biopsy test, the dentist can determine if you have oral cancer. If the test comes back positive, our dentist collaborates with cancer specialists to get you the timely care you require to overcome oral cancer. Oral cancer is treatable via chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted drug therapy, and surgery. You can significantly improve your chance of successful treatment by early detection of oral cancer, and it can be achieved through regular oral cancer screenings.

Put your mind at ease and take greater control of your oral well-being by scheduling a comprehensive oral cancer screening today. Reach out to Premier Smile Center today to schedule a session with our dentist in Columbia, SC.

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