How to Screen for Oral Cancer at Home

Posted on 7/30/2016 by Alyssa O'Steen

A woman performing an oral cancer self-examination.

While your general dentist does check for symptoms of oral cancer during regular checkups, there is a self-exam you can do at home to check for any unusual signs. Early detection is crucial in effectively treating cancer and preventing health complications in the future.

What to Look for During an Oral Cancer Self-Exam

When screening for oral cancer at home, you should perform a self-check once a month. It is best to stand in front of a mirror in a well-lit room so that you can clearly evaluate yourself. You may also need a flashlight to look at the inside of your mouth.

The areas you should check are your neck, cheeks, lips, tongue, gums, and your mouth's interior. Here are the signs to look for in those main areas:

•	Red or white spots
•	New occurrences of thickened skin or lumps
•	Sores that will not heal after about two weeks
•	Difficulty swallowing, chewing, speaking
•	Any pain or numbness
•	Changes in teeth alignment

Oral Cancer Risk Factors

A well-known risk factor for oral cancer is smoking and other tobacco products, especially as one gets older. However, this is not the only risk. Drinking alcohol in large amounts and long exposure to UV rays also put someone at risk. Recently, research also has linked HPV infections to oral cancer. Even if you are not exposed to these risk factors, it is still important not to ignore any warning signs or symptoms.

What to Do if You Notice Something Unusual

If you notice something unusual, you can contact your general dentist, and they can check if there are any signs that need to be further evaluated with a biopsy.

Oral surgeons are specially trained in diagnosing oral cancer, so you may be referred to one if your general dentist sees symptoms that need follow-up. You can also contact our office directly if you have concerns, and we can offer advice on the best next steps.

Dr. Shillingburg and the amazing team at DFW Oral Surgeons are proud to provide exceptional care, including wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, and many other services to residents in and around Argyle, Bartonville, Highland Village, Lantana, Double Oak, South Denton, Denton County, and surrounding areas. Not only has Dr. Shillingburg won best Oral Surgeon of Denton County in 2017 and 2018. He has over 10 years of experience treating patients in his state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center in Flower Mound, TX.

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John C. Shillingburg, DDS

Certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Best of Denton County 2019 Committed to Community Excellence - DFW Oral Surgeons

Dr. John Shillingburg is proud to be a native Texan. After graduating from Texas A&M with a bachelor's degree in Biomedical Science and from the University of Texas Dental School in San Antonio with a doctorate degree in dental science, Dr. Shillingburg completed a general dentistry residency at Fort Carson in Colorado. Read more.

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