We Save Lives with Professional Oral Cancer Screenings
Vital Dental is pleased to offer comprehensive preventive dental care to prevent oral issues before they occur. Dr. Mitul Patel and the team provide oral cancer screening in Sarasota, Florida, to catch the disease at its earliest stage when it’s easily treatable. Completed in as little as five minutes, mouth cancer exams are fast and painless, but they can save a life. If it has been a while since you last had a mouth cancer exam, schedule an appointment today!
How do I know I have oral cancer?
Oral cancer can manifest anywhere in the mouth, but it’s likely to occur in the tongue, palate, cheeks, gums, and jaws. At the same time, an oral cancer screening is the best way to confirm your cancer worries; watch out for the following signs.
- A mouth sore that doesn’t heal
- Unexplained mouth bleeding
- Red or white patches in your mouth lining
- An abnormal lump or bump in your mouth
- Voice changes
- Unexpected weight loss
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
Since oral cancer can spread quickly, early detection is crucial. The American Cancer Society recommends patients aged 20 and below be screened for oral cancer every three years. However, patients aged 40 and above should be screened annually. Frequent mouth cancer exams catch the condition early before it spreads to other body parts.
Who is susceptible to developing oral cancer?
Oral cancer can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase the risk. Understanding these risk factors can help in early detection and prevention. Here are the risk factors for mouth cancer.
- Tobacco use, including smokeless tobacco
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Prolonged sun exposure of the lips
- Poor genetic predisposition
What should I expect from oral cancer screening?
Oral cancer can be scary, but the screening isn’t anything to worry about. The procedure is quick, painless, and minimally invasive. Before the exam, the doctor will ask you to remove any removable oral appliances, such as dentures and Invisalign aligners. This enables the dentist to have an unobstructed view of your oral cavity.
Your dentist starts with a visual exam to look for abnormal sores, lesions, and patches that may be precancerous or cancerous. The dentist mainly uses an intraoral camera to view even the trickiest corners of your mouth.
Next, the dentist uses gloved hands to palpate your jaws, throat, gums, and other structures to feel any unusual swellings, bumps, lumps, and masses. Should we detect any unusual signs, we may use special dyes and lights that separate abnormal cells from healthy ones.
A mouth cancer exam doesn’t diagnose you with oral cancer. It looks for troubling signs that require further scrutiny. If any suspicious areas are found, we will refer you to a specialist for a biopsy to confirm or rule out cancer.
Professional oral cancer screenings near me
Oral cancer screenings in Vital Dental can save lives. If you are due for mouth cancer screening in Sarasota, Florida, call (941) 371-2022 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Patel and his team. We look forward to creating healthy, cancer-free smiles.
Dr. Mitul Patel
Dr. Mitul Patel, D.M.D., is a dedicated dentist at Vital Dental Sarasota, known for his caring and gentle approach. With over 500 hours of continuing education, Dr. Patel's commitment to staying abreast of the latest dental advancements ensures his patients receive top-notch care. His meticulous attention to detail, aided by high magnification loupes, guarantees precision in every procedure. Dr. Patel's compassionate nature and expert knowledge make him a trusted figure in the dental community, providing an exceptional and reassuring experience for all his patients.
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