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Oral Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that detecting cancer early can mean the difference between a simple treatment and a life-threatening diagnosis.
Many people do not realize that oral cancer can develop quickly and without obvious symptoms or typical risk factors.
In this blog, you will learn about the warning signs of oral cancer, key risk factors, how screenings work, and why early detection is crucial for saving lives.
AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons offers oral cancer screening and biopsies in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe and Show Low, AZ.
Table of Contents
- How Quickly Can Oral Cancer Develop and Spread?
- What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening
- Who Should Get an Oral Cancer Screening?
- Signs of Oral Cancer You Should Not Ignore
- Preventive Measures to Lower Your Oral Cancer Risk
- Why AZ Max is the Leading Provider to Screen for Oral Cancer
Oral cancer can develop quickly and often goes unnoticed until it becomes later stage. Regular oral cancer screenings significantly improve survival rates by catching abnormalities early. If you have risk factors like smoking, alcohol use, or HPV, do not wait, schedule a screening at AZ Max Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons today.
How Quickly Can Oral Cancer Develop and Spread?
Oral cancers, including oropharyngeal cancers, can develop at different rates depending on factors like genetics and lifestyle.
HPV-related cancer, particularly in the upper throat and soft palate, has been linked to the human papillomavirus, making regular oral cancer examinations essential.
- Precancerous changes can start months or years before symptoms appear. These changes often go unnoticed without a professional oral screening.
- For some people, cancer can develop and spread in a matter of months. This is why it is crucial to schedule regular screenings, even if you feel fine.
- The survival rate is much higher when oral cancer is caught early. When diagnosed in the early stages, the five-year survival rate is over 80%. However, late-stage detection drops that number significantly.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Screening
If your general dentist noticed abnormalities during a dental exam, they may refer you to an oral surgeon for a biopsy.
At AZ Max Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, our oral cancer screening process goes beyond a standard dental check-up. Our specialized oral cancer examinations involve a thorough evaluation of the oral cavity, associated soft tissues, associated hard tissues via cone beam CT, and lymph nodes via palpation.
We use advanced diagnostic techniques to detect abnormalities at an early stage, improving long-term survival rates and treatment options for oral cancer patients.
Here is what you can expect during a screening:
- Visual examination: The surgeon will inspect your face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, and the inside of your mouth for any abnormal growths, discolorations, or ulcers.
- Palpation of tissues: The doctor will feel for lumps, swelling, or hardened areas around your jaw and lymph nodes.
- Advanced diagnostic techniques: If anything looks suspicious, we may perform a biopsy to examine the tissue under a microscope.
If an abnormality is found, we offer several types of biopsies to determine if the lesion is cancerous:
- Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA): A small needle is used to collect cells from a growth.
- Punch biopsy: A circular tool removes a core sample of tissue for analysis.
- Incisional biopsy: A portion of the lesion and healthy surrounding tissue is removed and examined.
- Excisional biopsy: The entire lesion is removed if small enough.
Who Should Get an Oral Cancer Screening?
Everyone should have an oral cancer screening at least once a year, but some people are at higher risk and should be screened more frequently.
Major risk factors for oral cancer:
- History of tobacco use and alcohol consumption: Tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption are major risk factors for oral cancers. Smokeless tobacco can also cause white lesions, fixated lumps, and salivary gland issues.
- HPV infection: The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of throat cancers.
- Excessive sun exposure: UV rays can lead to lip cancer.
- Poor oral hygiene: Chronic irritation from rough teeth or ill-fitting dentures can increase risk.
- Family history: A genetic predisposition may increase susceptibility.
If you have any of these risk factors, talk to us about more frequent screenings.
Signs of Oral Cancer You Should Not Ignore
Oral cancer can develop silently, but some early warning signs include:
- Persistent mouth sores that do not heal within two weeks
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- White or red patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
- Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Numbness or pain in the tongue or jaw
- Lumps, swelling, or thickened tissues inside the mouth or neck
If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment immediately.
Before your next professional screening, you can also take steps to monitor your oral health at home. Check out our guide on 8-Step Oral Cancer Screening: How to Perform a Check at Home for simple self-examination techniques.
Preventive Measures to Lower Your Oral Cancer Risk
You can use these preventative measures to reduce the risks:
- Schedule regular dental check-ups and oral cancer screenings: Early detection is the best defense.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Tobacco and alcohol are among the top causes of oral cancer.
- Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush, floss, and visit your dentist for checkups.
- Use lip balm with SPF: Protect your lips from harmful UV rays.
- Eat a balanced diet: A diet rich in fruits and vegetables supports a healthy immune system.
Why AZ Max is the Leading Provider to Screen for Oral Cancer
At AZ Max Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, we specialize in early detection and diagnosis of oral cancer.
Our team of board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons, is highly trained in identifying even the smallest changes in the oral cavity, soft tissues, and lymph nodes.
Our specialists have advanced training in diagnosing oral cancers, utilizing cutting-edge diagnostic tools and techniques for earlier detection and improved outcomes.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening Today
Do not wait until symptoms appear—early detection saves lives. Your health is worth it.
Book your appointment today or have your general dentist fill out our Doctor Referral Form.
To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Mesa, North Mesa, Queen Creek, Tempe or Show Low, call (480) 830-5866 or complete the online inquiry form.
