Do you know the potential signs of oral cancer? If not, now’s the time to find out. April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and as providers of general dental treatment, we at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach may be a patient’s first doctors who alert them to a potential problem. But since patients can also monitor themselves for suspicious growths and ultimate confirmation of the diagnosis will have to come from other practitioners, we wanted to say a bit about the overall diagnostic process.
Early signs of oral cancer include red or white patches on the lips or inside of the mouth, bleeding, numbness, and soreness. Cancer in the oropharyngeal region may feel like an unswallowable lump. It is important to note that these symptoms may be related to a noncancerous growth, but they are always worth checking out. During an oral cancer examination, a dentist will lift the tongue to check it from all angles and use their handheld mirrors to check the insides of the cheeks. They will also feel for lumps in the patient’s neck and may use an ultraviolet light to look for signs of unusual tissue growth patterns.
We may refer a patient to an oral surgeon for a biopsy. This means a small portion of a tumor would be cut away to be tested for cancer. Oral cancer is easier to treat when it’s detected early, but a patient will be at higher risk for dry mouth during treatment. They will also need to maintain regular examinations in the future to catch recurrences.
Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos operate All Coast Dental at 2180 Garnet Ave, Suite 1-K, Pacific Beach, California, 92109. To schedule an appointment, call 858-270-4904 or visit All Coast Dental and fill out a contact sheet.
