Oral Cancer Screening in Kirkland, WA
Oral Cancer Screening Near You
At Dentiste, we prioritize your overall oral health. Our oral cancer screening in Kirkland, WA, helps identify problems sooner rather than later, when problems are easier to treat. We look inside your mouth, tongue, and throat for any concerning signs of possible problems.
What is Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is a routine check to evaluate for cancer or signs that could turn into cancer down the road. Our dentist near you will evaluate every part of your mouth during your visit. This includes your lips, gums, tongue, hard and soft palate, and throat.
We do oral cancer screening to find problems early. When we find problems early, treatment works better! For a lot of people, they do not even know they have oral cancer because it does not hurt in the beginning.
Why Do You Need Screening?
Anyone can develop oral cancer; however, some people are at an increased risk. You might need oral cancer screening more often if you:
- Smoke cigarettes or use tobacco products
- Drink alcohol regularly
- Spend a lot of time in the sun without lip protection
- Family history of cancer
- Over 40 years old
- Have the HPV virus
If you do not have these risk factors, Dr. Roberts recommends you continue to be screened. This will help us to keep your mouth as healthy as possible.
What Happens During Your Screening?
Oral cancer screening is quick and does not hurt. Here is what we do during oral cancer screening near you
- Visual Examination: Our dentist will look inside your mouth at the lips, gums, tongue, and cheeks. They will utilize a bright light to see better.
- Physical Examination: Our dentist will gently touch your neck, jaw, and under your chin to see if there are any lumps or swelling.
- Special Tools: Occasionally, the dentist will use special lights or dyes to visualize better. These tools may identify areas that were not previously visible under regular light.
- Questions: Our dentist will ask you questions about any pain, sores, or changes that you have noticed in your mouth.
The entire visit will take approximately 5-10 minutes, and most patients are comfortable the whole time.
Signs We Look For
During your oral cancer screening in Kirkland, WA, we check for warning signs such as
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Sores that don’t heal in two weeks
- Lumps or thick areas in the mouth or neck
- Problem swallowing or moving your tongue
- Numbness in your mouth or lips
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together
If we find something that seems unusual, we don’t want you to be concerned. A majority of the people we see are not cancerous; however, we will want to take a second look and advise you about further treatment.
How Often Should You Get Screened?
We recommend oral cancer screening during your regular dental visits. Most people should come every six months. If you have higher risk factors, we might suggest coming more often.
Regular screening is the best way to catch problems early. Early detection saves lives and makes treatment much easier.
Schedule Your Screening Today
Your oral health is important to us. Call Dentiste today at (425) 284-0515 to schedule your oral cancer screening. Our friendly team of dentist will answer your questions and help you stay healthy.
FAQ
Does oral cancer screening hurt?
No, the screening is completely painless. We only look at and gently feel areas in your mouth and neck.
How long does the screening take?
The oral cancer screening near you takes about 5-10 minutes and is usually done during your regular dental checkup.
What if you find something wrong?
Most unusual findings are not cancer. We will do more tests or refer you to a specialist for further checking.
Can young people get oral cancer?
Yes, while oral cancer is more common after age 40, younger people can get it too, especially those who use tobacco.