ORAL CANCER SCREENING NEAR ME

Oral Cancer Screening in Peoria, AZ

Oral cancer screenings can identify the signs of disease before it has spread. This may be beneficial to those in high-risk groups. Regular oral cancer screenings can give patients the advantage of treating cancer in the early stages when there is a higher chance for remission. Oral cancer screening in Peoria is available at Thunderbird Dental Studio in Peoria and the surrounding area. Early detection may make cancer treatment more effective.

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What Is Oral Cancer Screening?

Oral cancer screening is a simple, painless, and quick examination that allows your dentist to look for early signs of oral cancer or other abnormalities inside your mouth. The screening helps detect unusual growths, white patches, or sores that may appear in the oral cavity, including the lips, tongue, and cheeks. This process is an important part of preventive dental care that focuses on maintaining long-term oral health. Early detection gives the patient a better chance to treat cancer before it spreads. The American Dental Association recommends adding oral cancer screening to regular dental checkups to support early identification and better treatment outcomes.

a young getting an oral cancer screening

Changes in denture fit.

Difficulty or discomfort swallowing.

Diminished ability to perform normal oral functions (such as chewing, opening jaw, swallowing).

Mouth sores or ulcers, especially if they bleed easily or do not heal.

Pain and tenderness in teeth or gums.

Red or white patches in the mouth.

Unexplained lump in the neck, throat, or floor of the mouth.

Unexplained swelling or fullness in the neck.

Visible changes in the mouth tissue

Can Be Done During Dental Checkup
Regular oral cancer screenings can be as important as regular dental checkups. Fortunately, patients can ask to get both procedures done at the same time.
Early Detection
As per the National Cancer Institute, oral cancer symptoms tend not to appear until the disease has spread. Early detection may make oral cancer easier to treat when the chances for remission are higher.
Frequency of Screenings
A dentist may be able to conduct a comprehensive exam to determine how frequently a patient should have screenings.

A Quick Screening

Oral cancer screening requires no special preparation, and patients can typically expect screening to take place during a routine dental appointment. All in all, the screening should take less than five minutes.

The Process

In most cases, a basic oral cancer screening will consist of the dentist taking a thorough look at all the parts of the patient's mouth, including the back of the throat, the gums, the insides of the cheeks, the outside and the inside of the lips, the roof of the mouth, and the tongue.

Patients With Dentures

Patients with dentures must remove the devices to allow Thunderbird Dental Studio to check the tissue underneath, along with the area underneath the jaw.

Comprehensive Dental Care
We offer complete dental care, including cleanings, exams, and cancer screenings, to help maintain your oral health at every stage of life.
Experienced Professionals
Our skilled team has years of experience in performing oral cancer screenings and recognizing the early stages of potential disease. We aim to keep our patients informed and confident during their appointments.
Personalized Approach
Every patient is unique, so our dentists take time to understand your history and specific risk factors. We make sure you feel comfortable and informed about your screening and results.
Advanced Tools and Techniques
We use modern technology to detect even small abnormalities during your examination. This helps us ensure accurate results and allows us to take the next steps quickly if something unusual is found.

IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR SAME DAY DENTISTRY

Candidacy for Same Day Dentistry

Patients should note that not everyone is an ideal candidate for same day dentistry. Many of the procedures that can be performed in one appointment rely on a foundation of good health. Given this information, patients should remain realistic about what their dentists can and cannot do in a single appointment.
If a patient has less than stellar oral health, the dentist may need to prep the mouth for subsequent procedures or refer a patient to a specialist. For instance, if a person who is missing teeth also has gum disease, the dentist will need to treat the gum issues (that likely caused the tooth loss) before proceeding with the restoration process.

a professional dentist doing a dental examination to a teenager

ORAL CANCER SCREENING NEAR ME

FAQ's About Oral Cancer Screening

Do oral cancer screenings hurt?
There is little to no discomfort involved with oral cancer screenings. However, this may not be the case in treating advanced oral cancer.
Which parts of the body can be affected by oral cancer?
Any part of the mouth can be affected by oral cancer. There are two categories of oral cancer: those that affect the oral cavity (lips, teeth, gums, front two-thirds of the tongue, floor and roof of the mouth, and inside of the lips and cheeks) and those that affect the oropharynx (middle region of the throat, including tonsils and the base of the tongue).
How can I decrease my chances of getting oral cancer?
As of yet, there are no proven ways of completely preventing oral cancer. However, a general healthful lifestyle may help minimize your chances. Reducing your alcohol consumption, along with stopping or avoiding any tobacco use, may prevent exposing the cells in the mouth to any dangerous chemicals. Keeping an everyday sun protection regimen that involves putting sunscreen on your lips can also help, as can regular dental checkups.
What are the stages of oral cancer?
There are four stages of oral cancer. ● In stage 1 oral cancer, the tumor is at or under 2 centimeters in size, and the cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes. ● In stage 2 oral cancer, the tumor is at or under 4 centimeters in size, and the cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes. ● In stage 3 oral cancer, the tumor could be larger than 4 centimeters but not spread to the lymph nodes. Alternatively, the tumor has spread to one lymph node but not any other parts of the body. ● In stage 4 oral cancer, the tumor can be any size, and the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Oral cancer screenings can catch "stage 0" cancer when cells have yet to become cancerous. Cancers caught in the earliest stages have the highest five-year survival rates.
What are the limitations of oral cancer screenings?
Although regular oral cancer screenings are integral to maintaining good health, Mayo Clinic points out that it may be difficult to detect abnormal cells through a simple visual exam. Thus, there is always a possibility that a small sign of cancer or precancerous lesion could go undetected.

A group of unusual cells does not always mean that the patient has cancer. Rather, the patient will have to undergo a biopsy to get a definitive answer. If it is cancerous, then early detection will afford the patient more treatment options.

While the evidence does not yet link screenings with reduced oral cancer deaths, regular screenings may help identify cancers early at a time when remission is more likely.
Which are the groups at high risk for oral cancer?
Certain groups may benefit from regular oral cancer screenings more than others. Common risk factors include but are not limited to:● A history of oral cancer.● Certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV).● Regular consumption of a lot of alcohol.● Excessive amounts of time spent in the sun.● Tobacco use, in any form.
Patients may find it beneficial to consult a professional about their medical history to better determine their risk for oral cancer.
Additional tests after oral cancer screenings
Depending on the patient's situation, the dentist may perform special tests in addition to the basic screening. More in-depth oral cancer screenings can involve the patient rinsing their mouth with blue dye to make any unusual cells more visible. Additionally, the dentist may choose to shine a light in the patient's mouth during the exam. This light will "highlight" abnormal tissue by making it appear white.

If any of these tests find signs of oral cancer or any possibly cancerous lesions, then the patient should undergo a biopsy. This procedure consists of removing a sample of cells for laboratory testing. The patient may also need to make a follow-up appointment to see if the abnormal area has grown or changed since detection.