Oral Cancer Screenings in Howard Beach, NY
Oral cancer ranks as the sixth most fatal cancer globally, with approximately 30,000 new cases detected annually. This issue primarily affects adults aged 40 and above, especially those who smoke, use smokeless tobacco, or consume alcohol. However, the good news is that early detection and treatment can lead to an 83% cure rate for oral cancer.
Timely identification of abnormalities in the tissues of your lips, mouth, and throat is crucial for preventing the progression of serious health concerns such as oral cancer and other related disorders. At Howard Beach Dental Associates, our dedicated team of dentists in Howard Beach, NY, is committed to safeguarding your health by providing accessible oral cancer screenings.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
- Ear pain
- The appearance of white, red, or speckled (white and red) spots in the mouth
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Sores that don’t go away on the face, neck, or mouth that bleed effortlessly and do not heal within two weeks
- Irregular spots or other issues in or around the mouth
- A change in how your teeth close or dentures fit
- Soreness or a feeling that something is stuck in the back of the throat
- Unexplained numbness, pain, or tenderness
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
- Chronic sore throat or change in voice
- Dramatic weight loss
What to Expect For an Oral Cancer Screening
As part of your routine examination at Howard Beach Dental Associates, our dentists will inquire about any changes in your medical history and any new or unfamiliar symptoms you might have experienced.
Subsequently, the dentists will carefully examine your mouth, encompassing the lips, inner cheek lining, gums, front portion of the tongue, the mouth’s floor, and the palate. Additionally, they will assess the soft part of the upper mouth, including the tonsils, the back of the tongue, and the area where the tongue attaches to the mouth’s base. A thorough examination of your jaw and neck for any lumps or irregularities will also be conducted.
