Oral Cancer Screenings – Gahanna, OH

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

While oral cancer can develop without you realizing it, there are several warning signs that you can keep an eye out for:

• A sore throat that doesn’t seem to go away
• Any changes in the way your voice sounds
• Having trouble eating or swallowing in general
• A strange lump or bump in your mouth that wasn’t there before
• Feeling like something is caught in your throat all the time
• Any sores or lesions (that may or may not hurt) that don’t heal in 10 days or less

Many of these symptoms can have multiple causes, but if you think they might be connected to oral cancer, you’ll want to have the problem diagnosed quickly.

What Can I Expect from a Screening?

Oral cancer screenings are so quick and simple that many patients don’t even realize that they’re being performed. During a routine dental examination, our team will examine your entire oral cavity. We’ll pay especially close attention to your lips, the back of your throat, your tongue, and the area beneath your tongue. Sometimes we might also examine your neck and jaw for lumps.

If we find a possible oral cancer symptom, we’ll first try to rule out if it’s something benign such as fatty tissue or a cold sore. In the event that we think it might be a sign of a bigger problem, we may either ask you to come back in a couple of weeks for another examination, or we might refer you to a specialist who can perform a biopsy.

What Does My Dentist Look for During a Screening?

Dentists are thoroughly trained to recognize what is and isn’t normal inside the mouth. When screening for oral cancer, Dr. Buller and Dr. Odenweller will keep an eye out for abnormalities such as:

• Unusual bumps or swollen areas
• Red or white patches on the soft tissues
• Ulcerations (open sores)
• Thick callous-like tissue

In addition to looking for these symptoms, they’ll also review your medical history and ask certain questions to gauge your risk for oral cancer. Heavy drinking, using tobacco, being over the age of 40, frequent sunburns, and a weakened immune system can all make you more likely to develop cancer in your mouth.