Cancer is a scary word. So it’s no wonder that the prospect of oral cancer can be especially daunting. But the good news is that oral cancer is treatable, especially when caught early. That’s why Mayfair Family Dentistry provides oral cancer screenings for all our patients in the Philadelphia area. We want to make sure that you are as healthy as possible, and oral cancer screenings are one way to do that.
Oral cancer screenings are important for detecting mouth cancer in its early stages. Mouth cancer often starts as a small, unnoticed growth or sore. An oral cancer screening is quick and painless, and it can help to find mouth cancer early, when it is most treatable. During an oral cancer screening, your Mayfair dentist will examine your mouth for any signs of oral cancer. If anything suspicious is found, we may need to have a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Oral cancer screenings are an important part of keeping your mouth healthy.
Oral Cancer Symptoms
- A sore that does not heal
One of the most common symptoms of oral cancer is a sore that does not heal. If you have a sore in your mouth that does not go away within two weeks, it is important to see a doctor or dentist so that it can be checked for cancer. - Bleeding in the mouth
Another common symptom of oral cancer is bleeding in the mouth. This can occur when brushing your teeth, eating, or even just drinking water. If you notice any bleeding in your mouth, it is important to see a doctor or dentist so that it can be checked for cancer. - Pain in the mouth
Oral cancer can also cause pain in the mouth. This pain may be constant or may only occur when eating or drinking.
- Swelling in the mouth
Swelling in the mouth is another common symptom of oral cancer. This swelling may make it difficult to eat or drink, and may also cause pain. - Lump in the neck
A lump in the neck is another common symptom of oral cancer. This lump may be painful or may not cause any symptoms at all. - Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty swallowing is another common symptom of oral cancer. This difficulty may make it difficult to eat or drink, and may also cause weight loss.
Your oral health is important to us here at Mayfair Family Dentistry. We want you to be able to live your best life, and that means being healthy in every aspect – including your oral health. If it’s been a while since your last screening, we encourage you to contact us and schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you stay healthy and happy!