Oral Cancer Screening Worcester
Helping Our Patients Identify Oral Cancer Early
Tens of thousands of Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year, and those who have it identified while it’s still in its earliest stages tend to have the best chances of survival. Dr. Handsman and Dr. Jenny are dedicated to protecting the health of our patients, which is why our practice takes oral cancer screenings seriously. To learn more about this service, read below or give us a call.
Why Choose Handsman & Haddad Periodontics for Oral Cancer Screenings?
- Highly Trained Periodontal Experts
- State-of-the-Art Technology
- Comfortable, Welcoming Periodontal Office
Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer
There are a number of warning signs that could potentially indicate that you have oral cancer:
- There’s an odd bump or lump present in your mouth, possibly on your tongue or gums.
- You’ve been having trouble swallowing or chewing your food lately.
- There are lesions in your mouth that haven’t healed within 10 days.
- Your throat is sore, and/or you constantly feel like something is stuck in it.
Any of these symptoms can be cause for concern; if any of them sound familiar, it’s best to seek out a professional who can give you a diagnosis as soon as you can. However, it’s possible that you may overlook the warning signs of oral cancer on your own – hence the importance of oral cancer screenings.
What Can I Expect From an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening involves looking closely at your lips, the top and bottom side of your tongue, and the back of your throat. We might also check for signs of lumps or tenderness in your neck or under your jaw.
If we find anything out of the ordinary, we can advise you on what your next steps should be. Your symptoms may not guarantee that you have oral cancer, but it’s generally better to be safe than sorry; hence, we may send you to a specialist who can give you a proper diagnosis and point you toward an appropriate form of treatment.
What Will My Periodontist Look for During a Screening?
During an oral cancer screening, we’ll keep an eye out for bumps, swollen areas, and any callous-like tissues. We’ll also look for unusual red or white patches as well as ulcerations.
On top of that, we can review your medical history to evaluate your chances of developing oral cancer. Age, alcohol use, a weakened immune system, frequent sunburns, and HPV are all common risk factors and are worth taking into account when performing an oral cancer screening.
You can count on our team to be upfront and transparent about anything we find in your mouth, and we’ll always take the time to answer your questions. We want you to have all the information you need to protect the health of your smile as well as the rest of your body.
