Oral Cancer Screenings in Hamilton, NJ

Why Oral Cancer Screenings Are Important

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, close to 58,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer this year. Unfortunately, the death rate associated with this cancer remains high, not because it is difficult to diagnose, but because it is often discovered too late. You can improve your chances of a successful outcome by investing in routine oral cancer screening services at our Hamilton, NJ, practice.

The Power of Early Intervention

When oral cancer is detected in its late stages, the survival rate is low, and the treatment required is often aggressive, involving surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy that can alter your quality of life.

In contrast, when found early, oral cancers have an 80 to 90 percent survival rate. This is why we prioritize screenings. The state-of-the-art tools and techniques allow us to find cancers while they are still highly manageable.

Understanding Risk Factors

While tobacco and alcohol use have historically been the primary risk factors for oral cancer, the landscape is changing. The rise of the human papillomavirus (HPV) has led to an increase in oropharyngeal cancers among younger populations who do not smoke or drink. This means that oral cancer screenings are no longer just for high-risk demographics; they are essential for every adult. 

By maintaining a schedule of regular screenings, we can monitor changes in your oral tissues over time and develop a baseline of health against which any new anomalies can be compared.

What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening

Many patients feel a sense of anxiety when they hear the word cancer, but we want to assure you that the screening process at Hamilton Dental Associates is quick, painless, and non-invasive. It is typically performed during your regular semi-annual cleaning and exam, often without you even realizing it is happening.

During your oral cancer screening service, your dentist will examine the inside of your mouth for abnormalities, including:

• Red or white patches
• Sores or lesions that aren’t healing
• Lumps, bumps, or thickened tissues
• Unexplained bleeding
• Changes in the texture or color of soft tissues

Your dental professional will also feel along your jawline, under your chin, and around your neck to detect any unusual swelling or lumps beneath the skin. This external exam is just as important as checking the inside of your mouth, as early signs of oral cancer can also appear in the surrounding lymph nodes.

If any abnormalities are found, it does not necessarily mean you have cancer. Many oral lesions are benign or related to other issues like vitamin deficiencies or trauma. However, if a suspicious area is noted, we may recommend a follow-up visit to see if it heals on its own or suggest a biopsy for further analysis. Rest assured, we guide you through the process step by step, ensuring you understand your options and feel supported throughout your care.

How Often Should You Get an Oral Cancer Screening?

For the majority of patients, we recommend undergoing an oral cancer screening at least once every six months. This frequency aligns perfectly with your standard dental exam schedule.

Of course, certain factors may necessitate more frequent screenings. You should discuss your specific risk profile with your dentist at Hamilton Dental Associates. We may recommend more frequent checks if you:

• Use tobacco products of any kind (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or chewing tobacco).
• Consume alcohol heavily or frequently.
• Have a previous history of oral cancer or other types of cancer.
• Have significant sun exposure (which increases the risk of lip cancer).
• Have been diagnosed with HPV.