Oral Cancer Screenings – Colorado Springs, CO
Spot the Signs of Oral Cancer Early on & Preserve Your Health
At Rocky Mountain Periodontal Specialists, our top priority is your health and wellbeing, which is why we conduct routine oral cancer screenings in Colorado Springs for our patients. Whether your risk of oral cancer is high due to genetics or certain habits like smoking, our periodontists can help you spot the signs as early as possible to make sure that you receive timely treatment. If you would like to schedule an oral cancer screening, call our office today.
Why Choose Rocky Mountain Periodontal Specialists for Oral Cancer Screenings?
- Experienced Board-Certified Periodontal Specialists
- We Accept & Maximize Dental Insurance
- Clean, Warm & Welcoming Dental Office
Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can manifest in a number of ways, which is why it’s a good idea to regularly examine your mouth at home for the following common symptoms:
- Ulcers in the mouth
- White or red rough patches in the mouth
- Pain while swallowing
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
- Lumps around the face or neck that last for longer than two weeks
- Oral wounds that won’t heal after two weeks
- Numb spots around the mouth
Different types of oral cancer can cause different signs, so be sure to contact our team if you notice any out-of-the-ordinary oral symptoms.
Risk Factors of Oral Cancer
The Oral Cancer Foundation recommends getting an oral cancer screening every year starting at 18 years old. If you are at a high risk of developing the disease, it may be recommended that you receive screenings more often in an effort to catch the signs as early as possible and increase the chances of successful treatment. Some lifestyle habits and other factors that can increase your risk of developing oral cancer include:
- Tobacco use, including vaping, dipping, spitting, smoking, and chewing tobacco
- Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
- HPV, or human papillomavirus
- Older than 55
- Poor nutrition, including a diet low in fruits and vegetables
- Oral cancer runs in your family
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral health professionals, like your periodontists in Colorado Springs, are responsible for catching a majority of oral cancer signs ahead of time, allowing patients to seek out timely treatment that increases survival rates and minimizes the need for more extensive treatments. Our team at Rocky Mountain Periodontal Specialists recommends seeing us or your regular dentist every six months or at least once a year for oral cancer screenings.
At these visits, our team will conduct a visual and tactile examination of your neck, throat, and oral tissues for abnormalities or signs of oral cancer. This process typically only takes a minute or so and involves your periodontist feeling around your jawbone and lymph nodes. If we spot anything of concern, our team can help you take the next steps by conducting a biopsy to help you understand the cause of any abnormalities. We are also happy to partner with the rest of your healthcare team to make sure you receive the top-tier care and support you deserve throughout this process.