Signs You May Have Oral Cancer

Part of our regular dental hygiene routine should be visiting our local periodontists for oral cancer screenings at least once per year. At the CENTER for Advanced Periodontal & Implant Therapy in Brentwood, Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky can perform a thorough oral cancer examination on patients to check for signs of oral cancer.

WHAT IS ORAL CANCER?

Oral cancer is found in the oral cavity and can spread to other places in the mouth, jaw, and neck region. In 75% of cases, oral cancer is linked to frequent tobacco use and alcohol intake. These behaviors should be minimized or avoided in order to reduce the risk of oral cancer. Other contributing factors are poor oral hygiene, poor nutrition, and chronic bacterial or viral infections. Routine visits to expert Brentwood periodontists Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky can improve your overall oral hygiene and help prevent oral cancer.

WHAT ARE SIGNS OF ORAL CANCER?

There are several signs that periodontal specialists Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky look for during an examination that may point to oral cancer. Red patches on the tongue or floor of the mouth may point to a deeper issue. Another cause for concern is sores that bleed very easily or are not healing in a timely manner. The presence of lumps or any unexpected thickening of tissue in the mouth or throat can be evidence of cancerous changes. Finally, a lesion in the mouth may be a sign of oral cancer; however, lesions can also be due to problems with the mouth tissue or as a result of an injury. It is best to let the oral hygiene experts at the CENTER for Advanced Periodontal & Implant Therapy in Brentwood perform an extensive exam to determine if any of these signs are indicative of oral cancer.

WHAT IS AN ORAL CANCER EXAMINATION?

An oral cancer examination at the CENTER for Advanced Periodontal & Implant Therapy in Brentwood is a painless procedure that involves a visual inspection of the oral cavity and surrounding areas. The doctors check for oddities in the mouth and oral cavity tissue such as red patches, sores, lumps, and lesions. If Brentwood periodontal specialists Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky notice any irregular lesions that might be a cause for concern, they will remove a small piece of the lesion. Testing this portion of the lesion through a biopsy is the only way to determine whether or not the lesion is cancerous. A biopsy will be completed and the results sent back to Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky. As their main concern is for the health and well-being of their patients, Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky are committed to developing a treatment plan based on the results of the biopsy.

SCHEDULE AN ORAL CANCER EXAMINATION IN BRENTWOOD TODAY!

Unfortunately, many cases of oral cancer are not detected until they are in the advanced stages which makes it more difficult to treat. If you think you may have signs of oral cancer, schedule an oral cancer examination with the CENTER for Advanced Periodontal & Implant Therapy in Brentwood. Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky are the only board-certified periodontists in Brentwood and they are specially trained in tooth and gum conditions. Call 310-826-8242 to schedule a consultation today!