Velscope Oral Cancer Screenings in Lake Oswego
According to the American Cancer Society, there will be over 54,000 new cases of oral cancer in the United States this year. As a holistic dental practice, we understand that a healthy mouth is vital to a healthy body, which is why we emphasize proactive, preventative care. Early treatment greatly increases the five-year relative survival rate, but oral cancer can be easy to miss and often doesn't get diagnosed until it has advanced. This is why regular oral cancer screenings are vital to your oral and overall health.
You may not know this, but dentists are trained to identify possibly cancerous tissues and precancers with oral cancer screenings. At Aesthetic Dentistry of Lake Oswego, Dr. Bowden offers oral cancer screenings using the advanced VELscope system.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer refers to cancers found in the tissues and structures of the oral cavity. This can include the cheeks, throat (pharynx), lips, tongue, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and floor of the mouth. Common symptoms of oral cancer include:
- Persistent sore throat
- Feeling that something is caught at the back of the throat
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Bleeding sores on the face, neck, or mouth that don’t heal within two weeks
- Unexplained loss of feeling, pain, or numbness in the face, neck, or mouth
- Ear pain
- Bumps, rough spots, or lumps on the lips, gums, or other parts of the mouth
- White or red patches in the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing, chewing, or speaking
- Changes in the way your teeth or dentures fit together
If you suspect you have any of these symptoms, Dr. Bowden recommends you call our Lake Oswego office by dialing (503) 675-7300 to schedule an oral cancer screening.
of oral health and identify areas of interest, as well as risk factors for oral cancer such as genetics, age, and habits. 