Oral, head and neck cancer can usually be treated when diagnosed early. However, in many cases, they are not diagnosed until they reach a more serious stage. We recommend that you receive an oral cancer screening annually to check for signs of cancer and other abnormalities when they are in the earliest stages. These screenings can be performed as part of your regular dental exams.

These cancers includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, sinuses, floor of the mouth, the hard and soft palates, and the head and neck areas. Common symptoms of these cancers include:

• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
• Lumps, bumps or rough spots on the gums, lips, or head and neck
• Oddly colored tissue in the mouth (red, white or speckled red-and-white patches)
• A persistent sore throat or a feeling that something is caught at the back of your throat
• Sores on the face, neck or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within a couple of weeks
• Loss of feeling, pain or numbness in the face, neck and mouth areas
• Ear pain
• Difficulty chewing, speaking or swallowing
• Changes in the fit of oral appliances or your bite

If you notice any of these symptoms or have any questions, please contact our office to make an appointment with our dentist. We want to make sure that oral head and neck cancers or other conditions are diagnosed as early as possible so that you have an increased chance of successful treatment. Our team is committed to helping you regain and maintain your oral health.