Oral Cancer Screenings
Over 50,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer each year. Because the odds of successful recovery are higher when there’s early detection, our Lexington, KY, dentists offer oral cancer screenings for patients. This preventive measure is quick and can easily be performed by one of our hygienists before a teeth cleaning. Patients of all ages can benefit from an annual screening, though those at greater risk are strongly encouraged to undergo them more often.
Am I at Risk for Oral Cancer?
Several factors can raise your chances of developing oral cancer, and understanding them can help you stay proactive about your health. Those include:
- Smoking and other tobacco use
- Excessive consumption of alcohol
- Family history of oral cancer
- Repeated lip exposure to the sun without SPF protection
- Human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Age (risk increases after age 55)
- Gender (more common for men)
Even if you do not immediately fall into any of these groups, regular mouth cancer screenings are still an important part of preventive dental care.
What’s Involved in an Oral Cancer Screening?
inside our Lexington, KY, dental office, is quick, comfortable, and thorough. It includes both a visual exam and a physical check. During the visual portion, one of our hygienists examines the inside of your mouth, paying close attention to the lips, cheeks, tongue, throat, and the roof and floor of your mouth. We’ll look for anything out of the ordinary, such as sores that do not heal, red or white patches, swelling, or changes in texture.
The physical stage is up next. With gloved hands, our hygienist will gently feel around your jaw, neck, and lymph nodes. The goal is to detect any lumps, bumps, or firm areas that should not be there. If our local family dentists are made aware of anything concerning, we may recommend further testing or make a referral to a specialist. Early detection is key, and screenings help catch potential issues before they become serious.
Make an Appointment Today
A simple screening can provide clarity and reassurance about your oral health. If it has been a while since your last exam or you have risk factors for oral cancer, our dentists in Lexington, KY, highly recommend getting a screening scheduled. Call Hamburg Expressions today at (859) 543-9000 to request an appointment.