Oral Cancer Screenings in Wheaton, IL
Oral cancer affects tens of thousands of Americans every year, and early detection is the single most important factor in successful treatment. At 20/32 Dental Co. in Wheaton, IL, Dr. de la Fuente performs thorough oral cancer screenings as part of every routine dental exam. The screening takes just a few minutes, involves no discomfort, and could save your life. We screen patients from Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Carol Stream, and communities throughout DuPage County.
Why Oral Cancer Screenings Matter
When oral cancer is caught early, the five-year survival rate exceeds 80 percent. When it is detected late, that rate drops dramatically. The challenge is that early-stage oral cancer often presents no pain or obvious symptoms, which is why professional screening by a trained dentist is so critical.
Many patients are surprised to learn that their dentist is often the first healthcare provider to notice signs of oral cancer. Your biannual dental visit is one of your best defenses.
What We Look For
Visual Examination
Dr. de la Fuente carefully inspects the inside of your mouth, lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, roof of the mouth, and the back of your throat for any unusual patches, sores, lumps, or color changes.
Physical Examination
She gently palpates the tissues of your mouth, jaw, and neck to feel for any abnormal masses or swollen lymph nodes that may not be visible.
Risk Factor Discussion
We review your personal and family health history and discuss any lifestyle factors that may increase your risk, including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and HPV status.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Between dental visits, be aware of these potential warning signs and contact our office if you notice any of them:
- A sore in the mouth that does not heal within two weeks
- Red or white patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
- A lump or thickening in the cheek or neck
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue
- Persistent numbness or pain in any area of the mouth
- A change in how your teeth fit together when you bite
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Cancer Screenings
The screening is a quick, painless visual and physical examination of your mouth, tongue, throat, and surrounding tissues. Dr. de la Fuente looks for any unusual sores, lumps, or discolorations.
We perform an oral cancer screening as part of every routine dental exam, typically every six months. Patients with higher risk factors may be screened more frequently.
Risk factors include tobacco and alcohol use, HPV infection, excessive sun exposure to the lips, and a family history of cancer. However, oral cancer can affect anyone, which is why regular screenings are important for all patients.
If Dr. de la Fuente identifies an area of concern, she will discuss the findings with you and may recommend a biopsy or referral to a specialist for further evaluation. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
A Quick Screening Could Save Your Life
Early detection makes all the difference. Schedule your oral cancer screening as part of your next dental visit at our Wheaton, IL office.
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