Oral Cancer Screenings in Tampa, FL

Twice-yearly dental exams do not only involve checking for decay, cavities, and gum disease, but they are also useful for screening for oral cancer. Our qualified dentist near you is one of the first lines of defense against oral cancer.

Dentists can detect early signs of oral cancer and also symptoms of other systemic diseases like diabetes and lupus.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ORAL CANCER

There are several different types of cancers that can develop in the oral cavity, including cancers of the lip, tongue, gums, hard and soft palate, and throat. The key to treating oral cancer successfully depends on early detection.

Oral cancer screenings in Tampa, FL, take only a few minutes to complete, and Westbay Dental offers screenings as part of routine dental exams.

ORAL CANCER SCREENINGS: WHAT TO EXPECT

During oral cancer screenings near you, West Bay Dental will ask questions about your medical history and check for abnormalities in soft tissues. The process is painless and non-invasive, and our trained dentist will lookout for the following signs:

1. Speckled or velvety red and white patches in the mouth
2. Lumps, raised bumps, crusts, and eroded areas in the lips and gums
3. Persistent mouth, face, or neck sores that bleed easily and do not heal
4. A sore at the back of the throat or difficulties in swallowing
5. Difficulty in moving the tongue from side to side

If we find anything suspicious or abnormal, Westbay Dental will recommend a specialist for further diagnosis and testing or send the tissue for a biopsy. Regular oral cancer screenings near you can help you obtain timely treatment and even save your life.

ORAL CANCER RISKS

Although anyone may develop symptoms of oral cancer, some groups may be at higher risk. These include patients who have a family history of oral cancer, heavy smokers, tobacco users, and those with excessive exposure to sunlight.

Pain is not always a reliable indicator, and it’s best to contact West Bay Dental even if you notice an abnormality in the oral cavity, face, or neck that doesn’t hurt.