Get Your Oral Cancer Screening in Richmond

What’s the big deal about oral cancer? Dentist in Richmond, Dr. William W. Way, routinely screens for this deadly disease because it affects thousands of American adults each year.  Patients must understand symptoms and risks and get early treatment if cancer is diagnosed.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is a deadly malady affecting the soft tissues of the mouth and the back of the throat. Striking both the young and the elderly, most oral cancers occur the over 40 age group. However, more people ages 25 to 55 are starting to receive this difficult diagnosis.

In past years, oral cancer received little attention. Nowadays, medical professionals and dentists see a great benefit to oral cancer screening with each semi-annual dental exam.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer in Richmond

Sometimes, oral cancer exhibits no overt symptoms, or it may hide in areas of the mouth and throat that only visible on oral examination by a skilled dentist or ear, nose, and throat doctor.  Other cases of oral cancer show symptoms obvious to the patient, such as:

• A sore that lasts 2 to 3 weeks or more (red, white or black in color)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Painful chewing
• Hoarse voice
• Continued coughing
• Unilateral earache (one ear only)

What are the Risk Factors?

Men used to be at higher risk for oral cancer–6 males to every one female, in fact. According to current statistics from the Oral Cancer Foundation, the ratio is now two men to one woman. While alcohol abuse, cigarette smoking and sun exposure are common risk factors in soft tissue cancers of the mouth and throat, there is another risk factor which plays a role in both men and women ages 25 to 55.

This group often contracts HPV, or the Human Papillomavirus. While the virus typically exits a person’s system harmlessly, some people develop oral cancers from it. Young adults, especially those with suppressed immune systems or who have more than one sexual partner, appear more prone. Heredity factors in as well.  Hence, the 25 to 55 year old age group should be screened carefully.

Screening with Your Richmond Dentist

It’s a fast, painless part of your six-month dental check-up. Dr. Way will inspect your face and feel the lymph nodes on the sides of your neck. He will look at the tongue, under the tongue, roof of the mouth, cheeks, lips and gums for swelling, sores or changes in mucosal color. In just a few minutes, your oral cancer screening is complete. According to the NIDCR (National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research), oral cancer has a good cure rate when it is caught in its earliest stages.

Would You Like Some Assurance?

Contact Westhampton Dentistry to schedule your 6-month check-up and hygienic cleaning. You’ll smile knowing you’re being vigilant about oral cancer screening and the rest of your dental health.