Oral cancer includes cancers that affect the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, cheeks, throat, sinuses and the hard and soft palate. When diagnosed early, oral cancer can often be successfully treated with minimal intervention. However, most cases are not identified until they reach more advanced stages, making treatment more difficult and the risk to your health more severe. At McKay Family Dentistry, we take this threat seriously and integrate oral cancer screenings into your regular dental checkups to help detect any abnormalities as soon as possible.
What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening
An oral cancer screening in Uncasville, Connecticut, is a quick and painless examination performed during your routine dental visit. Our dentists and team will carefully inspect your mouth, face, neck and throat for any unusual sores, discolorations or tissue changes. We will check for lumps, bumps or lesions that may indicate early signs of cancer. Using gloved hands and a dental mirror, we also examine under the tongue, along the inner cheeks and around the gums and throat area.
These screenings are not only essential for detecting cancer, but they also help identify pre-cancerous conditions or other oral health concerns that may need monitoring or further testing. If any suspicious areas are found, we may recommend additional diagnostic steps such as a biopsy or a referral to a specialist for evaluation.
Symptoms You Should Not Ignore
It is important to be aware of potential symptoms of oral cancer and to notify us if you experience any of the following:
- A persistent sore throat or hoarseness
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking
- Red, white or speckled patches inside the mouth
- Unexplained bleeding or numbness in the mouth
- Lumps or rough spots on the gums, lips or inner cheeks
- A sore that does not heal within two weeks
- Pain in the ear or jaw without an obvious cause
- A sudden change in how your teeth or dentures fit
These symptoms do not always indicate cancer, but they should be evaluated promptly to rule out serious conditions.
Protecting Your Oral & Overall Health
Oral cancer screenings are one of the most effective ways to catch problems before they escalate. They require no preparation and only take a few minutes, yet they can make a significant difference in your health. We encourage you to remain proactive about your oral health and to keep up with your routine dental visits, as well as contact us if you notice anything unusual between appointments. Please reach out to us today at 860-848-3262 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael McKay or Dr. Hannah Farrar and learn more about oral cancer screening in Uncasville, CT.