Oral Cancer Screenings
in Colgate, WI
An oral cancer screening is a preventive dental exam that looks for unusual changes in the mouth, throat, lips, and surrounding tissues. During a routine dental checkup, Dr. Lorenz can examine these areas and identify changes that may require further evaluation.
Regular screenings are an important part of comprehensive preventive dental care. Contact Lake Five Dentistry today to learn more and schedule with us.
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Who Is at Risk of Developing Oral Cancer?
Several factors may increase the risk of developing oral cancer, including tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), prolonged sun exposure to the lips, or a family history of oral or head and neck cancer. Risk can also increase with age. However, oral cancer can affect people without these known risk factors as well. Regular oral cancer screenings can help your Colgate dentist identify unusual changes early and determine whether further evaluation is appropriate.
What Happens During an Oral Cancer Exam?
During an oral cancer exam, your dentist visually examines areas inside your mouth and may gently feel tissues around your mouth, jaw, head, and neck for unusual changes. We may also ask about symptoms or recent changes you have noticed. If you have a persistent sore, lump, patch, pain, numbness, or another unusual change, let our team know. Prompt evaluation can help determine the appropriate next step.
Signs That May Require Evaluation
Possible warning signs of oral cancer can include:
- A sore that does not heal
- A lump or thickened area
- Red or white patches
- Unexplained bleeding or pain
- Persistent numbness or changes in sensation
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw
These symptoms can have many causes, but persistent or unusual changes should be evaluated by a dental professional.
How Often Should You Schedule an Oral Cancer Screening?
Our team can recommend an appropriate screening schedule based on your dental history, risk factors, and overall oral health. For many patients, an oral cancer screening can be performed during regular dental visits. If you have been searching for an “oral cancer screening near me,” a preventive dentist like Dr. Lorenz can help determine how often you should be scheduling preventive visits and screenings.
Serving Colgate and Nearby Communities
Lake Five Dentistry welcomes patients seeking preventive dental care in Colgate, WI, and nearby communities including Sussex, Germantown, Menomonee Falls, Richfield, Lannon, Hubertus, Lisbon, Merton, and Monches. If you are due for a routine dental checkup or have noticed a persistent change in your oral health, contact our office to learn more about oral cancer screenings.
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