Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer screenings check for any precancerous or cancerous conditions in the mouth. An oral cancer screening is completed with an ultraviolet light that allows your dentist to view issues that cannot be detected with the naked eye. Precancerous lesions identified under this light are much easier to be removed and are more likely to be cured.

Causes of Oral Cancer

  • Tobacco use of any kind, such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, snuff, dip and vaping
  • Heavy alcohol consumption
  • Family history of cancer
  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Significant sun exposure

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

  • Red or white spots or sores anywhere in the oral cavity
  • A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
  • A lump, thickening, or rough spot
  • Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue

Preventing Oral Cancer

  • Avoid all tobacco products
  • Drink alcohol in moderation
  • Maintain a healthy, balanced diet
  • Limit your exposure to the sun and always wear UV-A/B-blocking, sun-protective lotions on your skin as well as your lips
  • Ask your dentist to perform an oral exam since early detection of oral cancer can improve the chance of successful treatment

Holmes and Williford DDS, PA complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or sex.

Holmes y Williford DDS, PA cumple con las leyes federales de derechos civiles aplicables y no discrimina por motivos de raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, discapacidad o sexo.

Tomaremos acciones razonables para proporcionar servicios de asistencia linguistica gratuitos a aquellas personas cuyo lenguaje escuchemos frecuentemente en nuestro consultorio y que no hablen un ingles lo suficientemente bueno como para hablar con nosotros sobre el servicio odontologico que suministramos.