Cancer can invade almost any tissue in the body, including in the oral cavity. Mouth and throat cancer affects over 50,000 people each year in the U.S., and thousands of people die from these diseases annually. Oral cancer has effective treatment if it is detected early. At Majestic Smile Studio, we offer oral cancer screening as a preventive care service at our dental center in Yorba Linda, CA.
Oral cancer often does not have any symptoms until it is in the later stages. You could have cancer spreading inside your mouth or throat and show no signs of disease. However, there are symptoms that could alert you to possible oral cancer. These symptoms include:
- White or red spots on the soft oral tissues
- Sores inside the mouth that do not heal
- Chronic sore throat
- Lumps in the mouth or throat
- Mouth pain
- Swelling or pain in the jaw
- Trouble chewing or swallowing
Oral cancer often appears on the tongue, lips, tonsils, gums or floor of the mouth. When you have any abnormalities in the mouth or throat that do not go away, you should see a dentist or doctor for an exam.
Detecting Mouth Cancer Early
Oral cancer screenings are one of the most effective ways to identify signs of the disease early. Dr. Gutierrez can carefully examine the inside of the mouth for any changes in the tissues. Special lights can highlight abnormalities that may not be visible to the naked eye. If there are any indications of oral cancer, further testing can be performed for a diagnosis.
Screenings for oral cancer can be performed during your routine checkups. This is an important aspect of preventive oral care and another reason not to skip your regular dental checkups.
Your health and wellness are important to us at Majestic Smile Studio. We provide advanced preventive oral care for patients at our dental center in the Anaheim and Yorba Linda, CA, area. To schedule your next checkup, contact our team and book your appointment.
