The importance of screening for oral cancer with your dentist
Dr. Arnold Cutler of Lakeside, California, is well-versed in oral cancer and what to look for to spot it. Oral cancer is a type of cancer that can develop in any part of one’s mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat. It can also occur on the roof or floor of the oral cavity or on the gums. In some situations, it can even spread to other areas, such as the neck and head.
What is the cause of oral cancer?
Oral cancer is caused by abnormal growth and division of cells in the mouth. This can be due to several factors, including:
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- HPV exposure
- Weakened immune system
For some patients, the development of oral cancer may not have a link or cause, which is why everyone should have oral cancer screenings performed regularly with their Lakeside, California, area dentist.
What are the symptoms of oral cancer?
Some of the most common symptoms seen that may indicate oral cancer include:
- Persistent sores or ulcers that do not heal
- Lumps or thickening of the skin or the lining of the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
- Numbness in the mouth or face
These symptoms may not always be associated with oral cancer, but it is important to have them checked by a dentist or doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
How is oral cancer diagnosed?
If you are noticing any symptoms of oral cancer or are just in our office for an evaluation, we will perform an oral cancer screening each time to look for any unusual areas that may be indicative of mouth cancer. Symptoms may or may not be present, depending on the stage at which the cancer has developed. This is why we strongly encourage patients to be vigilant about having oral cancer screenings performed regularly to monitor oral health and wellness–and catch mouth cancer symptoms in their earliest form.
How often should I have oral cancer screenings?
We perform oral cancer screenings at each dental appointment and can perform them when patients have specific concerns in between their regular cleanings and evaluations.
Call Arnold Cutler DDS to learn more about oral cancer diagnosis and treatment!
Dr. Arnold Cutler and his team are here to assist patients who want to achieve and maintain oral health and wellness. If you are considering oral cancer screenings, call (619) 561-3307 to request an appointment at our office, conveniently located at 9927 Channel Road in Lakeside, CA. Our facility serves patients in the surrounding locations, including Santee, La Mesa, El Cajon, Ramona, and San Diego, CA.
