Oral Cancer Screening in Brooklyn NY

Why Oral Cancer Screening in Brooklyn NY Matters

Routine screening is the most reliable way to catch oral cancer early, when treatment options are widest and outcomes are best.

Types of Oral Cancer

Several different forms of oral cancer can develop. Each has distinct symptoms, though many overlap.

Throat Cancer

Throat cancer often does not show signs until it has progressed. Common signs include:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Chronic cough
• Changes in voice

Tongue Cancer

Tongue cancer can affect any part of the tongue, including hidden tissue underneath. Common signs include:

• Difficulty moving jaw or tongue, chewing, or swallowing
• A lump inside of the mouth
• White or red patches in the mouth
• Tongue or jaw pain

Gum Cancer

Most gum cancer forms on the outer layer of the gums. Untreated gingivitis or gum disease can contribute. Common signs include:

• A sore or lump that does not heal
• Apparent thickening of the gums
• One or more loose teeth in a specific area of the mouth
• Trouble fitting dentures correctly

Signs of Oral Cancer

In the earliest stages, oral cancer may have no noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screening is so important. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer has had time to progress. Common signs include:

• A lump in the neck
• A numb feeling in the mouth
• Unusual bleeding
• Pain while chewing or swallowing
• The sensation of something caught in the throat
• Lumps on the tongue, throat, lip, or anywhere in the mouth
• Leukoplakia: white patches inside the mouth
• Erythroplakia: red patches inside the mouth

These symptoms can also indicate non-cancer conditions. The only way to know for sure is to visit your dentist for an oral cancer screening.

What Causes Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer begins when one abnormal cell turns into a tumor. A trigger flips a switch in your genes that lets the cell multiply uncontrollably. Triggers vary widely. Some patients develop oral cancer for no clear reason, while others have an identifiable cause. Risk factors include:

• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Chewing tobacco
• HPV (human papillomavirus)
• Pre-existing mouth conditions, including leukoplakia and erythroplakia
• Gingivitis

People over 40 face the highest risk, although the disease is appearing in younger patients more frequently. Oral cancer is roughly twice as common in men as in women.

The Oral Cancer Screening Procedure

Because oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth, screening covers the gums, tongue, and throat fully. Anything that looks suspicious is biopsied: a small tissue sample is tested in a lab for abnormal cells. If the test is positive, additional tests may follow to make sure the cancer has not spread.

Treatment Options for Oral Cancer

Treatment depends on the type and extent of the cancer. Remission is most likely when oral cancer is caught early, and oral cancer is easier to detect than many other cancers when patients have routine dental exams. The most common treatment is surgery; if the cancer has not spread, infected tissue can be removed surgically. Other treatments target cancer cells directly or relieve pain and symptoms. Common options also include radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Oral Cancer Screening at Willoughby Dental

Routine dental exams are key to catching oral cancer early. Early detection is the most effective way to prevent serious complications, including the spread of cancer to other parts of the body. Willoughby Dental provides thorough oral cancer screenings in Brooklyn NY that you can rely on.