Oral Cancer Screenings – Upper ARlington, OH

Early Detection for Life-Saving Treatment

Your regular dental visits are about so much more than just preventing cavities and gum disease. Approximately 54,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer each year. Fortunately, when caught early on, most cases are entirely treatable, and many dental patients are able to make a full recovery. However, when action isn’t taken, this disease can be deadly! If it’s been a while since your last visit, give us a call to schedule oral cancer screenings in Upper Arlington, OH.

Why Choose Glamm Dental for Oral Cancer Screenings

  • VELscope System to Enhance Visualizations
  • Dental Insurance Welcome
  • Quick, Painless Oral Cancer Screenings

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Man experiencing oral cancer symptom holding throat

In addition to professional preventive dentistry screening twice a year, by being aware of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer, you can know when it’s a good idea to address something with your dentist. Here are the things that you should be looking out for:

  • Persistent sore throat
  • Changes in your voice
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • A new lump or bump
  • Sensation that something is stuck in your throat
  • Sores or lesions that don’t heal within 10 days

What to Expect During Your Oral Cancer Screening

Man smiling at dentist during oral cancer screening

Oral cancer screenings are quick, painless, and easy to endure. In fact, you’ve probably had many of them completed without even knowing. During your routine cleanings and checkups, Dr. Glamm will thoroughly inspect your oral cavity. She will take several minutes to look at your lips, the back of your throat, and your tongue. She will also check your neck and jaw for any abnormalities.

Dr. Glamm uses the VELscope system to do life-saving oral cancer screenings. The VELscope looks like a big flashlight, which is shone into your mouth. Healthy tissues give off a green glow in the VELscope illumination. Darkened areas indicate problem areas, which can be signs of oral cancer, infections, or salivary gland tumors.

If Dr. Glamm finds anything of concern, she will either diagnose it and take further action or refer you to a specialist for a closer inspection.

What We Look for During a Screening

Dentist and physicians reviewing oral cancer screening and diagnostic documents

During your screening, Dr. Glamm will look for asymmetrical bumps, swollen areas, red or white patches, ulcerations, or tissue that is thicker than usual. She will also review your medical history and identify any of the following risk factors:

  • HPV Infection: Up to 30% of oral cancer cases are attributed to human papillomavirus (HPV).
  • Tobacco: Nearly 80% of patients diagnosed with oral cancer either smoke or chew tobacco.
  • Alcohol: Patients who frequently drink alcohol are more likely to develop oral cancer—about 70% of diagnosed cases.
  • Sun Exposure: Oral cancer concentrated on the lip area is often suffered by patients with outdoor jobs, and therefore prolonged sunlight exposure.
  • Diet: Low intake of fruits and vegetables has been associated with an increased risk of oral cancer.
  • Gender: Men are twice as likely as women to develop oral cancer.
  • Age: The possibility of developing oral cancer increases with age, especially for patients who are 35 or older.

Modern treatment methods for oral cancer are more effective than ever before, but early detection is the best chance of making a full recovery!