Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer screenings can identify cancers of the mouth and precancerous conditions in their early stages when they have the highest cure rates. At Cole Street Dental in Enumclaw, Washington, Sean Monaghan, DMD, Gina Petrarca, DDS, and the team provide oral cancer screenings during your routine examination visits. Call Cole Street Dental or schedule your next exam and screening online today.

What are oral cancer screenings?

Oral cancer screenings are a way of detecting oral cancers before they cause any symptoms or spread. Because oral cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer, it’s important to talk to your dentist at Cole Street Dental about integrating oral cancer screenings into your dental routine. 

The goal of an oral cancer screening is to find early signs of oral cancer so you can get a diagnosis when the disease is still in an early stage and easier to treat. Your oral cancer screenings happen during your routine dental exams. 

During an oral cancer screening, the team at Cole Street Dental checks for bumps or tissue irregularities in all areas of your mouth. If they see or feel anything unusual, they may take a biopsy of the tissue for deeper examination in a lab. 

Who should get oral cancer screenings?

Talk to your dentist about oral cancer screenings. Your dentist might recommend getting oral cancer screenings based on your age, family history, or risk factors like:

• Smoking
• Chewing tobacco
• Drinking alcohol
• Sun exposure
• Previous oral cancer diagnoses

While oral cancer screenings aim to detect cancers of the mouth before they cause any symptoms, you should also be aware of the symptoms oral cancer causes so you can contact Cole Street Dental immediately if you notice them. They include red or white sores in your mouth, thick lumps in the tissue you can feel, and pain or numbness in any area of your mouth. 

Is there anything I can do to prevent oral cancer?

Oral cancer is unavoidable in some cases, but there are plenty of steps you can take today to lower your overall risk. The Cole Street Dental team recommends practicing healthy habits and oral hygiene, including:

• Visiting for cleanings and exams every six months
• Avoiding tobacco products of all kinds
• Limiting your alcohol intake
• Eating a healthy, nutritious diet
• Limiting your exposure to UV light

These strategies lower your risk for oral cancer. Many of them also help you maintain a healthy mouth, so you can avoid other oral health issues like gum disease and tooth decay. You can also avoid milder issues like bad breath. Schedule an appointment over the phone or online at Cole Street Dental for your next exam and oral cancer screening today.