Oral Cancer Screenings are Available from your Dentist in Santa Rosa, CA
Vineyard Dental Group in Santa Rosa, CA provides patients with comprehensive preventative dental care to help them achieve optimal oral health for life. In addition to check-ups and cleanings, we also offer easy, comfortable oral cancer screenings. This quick and painless process is important because the earlier oral cancer is diagnosed, the more favorable the outcome. If you would like to learn more about what’s involved in oral cancer screenings, please give us a call today.
Why are Oral Cancer Screenings so Important?
Oral Cancer is responsible for a death of one adult every hour in the United States. Only 50 percent of patients diagnosed with oral cancer each year live 5 years beyond their diagnosis. The Oral Cancer Foundation states that routine screening and early diagnosis are key factors in contributing to a reduction in the amount of annual deaths from the disease.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
The biggest risk factor for oral cancer is tobacco use, but it’s not the only one. Other common risk factors include:
- HPV
- Overconsumption of alcohol
- Genetic Predisposition
- Anemia
- Age
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
During your routine oral cancer screening, we’ll be closely examining the oral cavity and the face for signs of the condition. If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s important to schedule an evaluation as soon as possible:
- Mouth sores, especially ones that do not heal
- Lumps or bumps in the gum tissue
- Change in color/texture of soft tissue
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent sore throat
- Dramatic weight loss
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
How Oral Cancer Screenings are Performed
Oral cancer screenings are a quick, straightforward process. During the exam we will feel the lymph nodes for any signs of mouth cancer including swelling or hardening. We’ll also ask a series of questions about non-visual symptoms and gather a family health history to assess your risk for the disease.
Routine Oral Cancer Screenings can save lives
At Vineyard Dental Group, we emphasize to all our patients the importance of annual oral cancer screenings for early detection and to improve the chances of treatment success. Give us a call today at (707) 545-0944 to book an appointment.
