Oral Cancer Screenings in Chaska & Excelsior, MN
Oral cancer usually shows up in the form of symptoms only during advanced stages. Therefore, it is important to have routine oral cancer exams to detect early signs of oral cancer. Early identification of abnormalities, accurate diagnosis, and timely treatment is crucial for a successful cure.
If you’re considering getting yourself screened for oral cancer, please call our family-friendly practice at Town Dental.
What Does an Oral Cancer Screening Involve?
Oral cancers can include cancers of the underside of the tongue or the hard palate, gums, lips, or inside of the cheeks. Our highly trained dentist in Chaska & Excelsior, MN will ask you to move your tongue from side to side and feel under your neck and jaw for lumps, bumps, or masses.
We also depress the tongue gently to reduce the gag reflex and look for reddish or whitish signs at the back of the throat. The entire oral cancer screening process takes no more than 5 minutes to complete and is entirely pain-free.
Oral Cancer: Warning Signs
The presence of the following signs could indicate the presence of cancerous tissue:
- Unexplained changes in bite
- Red or white patches of tissue
- Mouth ulcers that refuse to heal even after two to three weeks
- Discomfort while moving the tongue
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Mouth or facial pain, persistent numbness
- An odd feeling on the tongue, lip or throat
Having one or more of the above doesn’t necessarily mean you have oral cancer. If we notice suspicious tissue, we will send the tissue for biopsy or refer the patient for further diagnosis and testing.
Contact Us for Oral Cancer Screenings near You
If you have a family history of oral cancer or are a heavy smoker, it’s in your best interests to get regular oral cancer screenings at Town Dental. We offer reliable oral cancer screenings in Chaska & Excelsior, MN as part of our routine dental exams.