Cancer is not to be taken lightly and neither is oral cancer. It can be very hard to detect but to the trained dental professional eye, it can be found. There are several types of cancers and in several different locations including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, soft and hard palate, sinuses and throat. How can they be found? Well, at routine dental visits Dr. Richard Pape will thoroughly examine your mouth, head and neck for any abnormal lumps, or tissue that looks out of the ordinary. If anything looks suspicious, further examination can be performed in the office or be referred to specialists. More likely than not unusual, areas are nothing or benign.

The symptoms of oral cancer can be tricky because they can come and go or may go unnoticed. The most common symptoms are swelling, lumps, bumps, rough spots, or eroding on lips, tongue, or any area in the mouth. There can also be difficulty swallowing, chewing, or moving the jaw or tongue, unexplained bleeding, persistent sores lasting longer than two weeks and severe weight loss. If you notice any of these symptoms, it does not always mean “the big C,” but you should always have them examined. It is important to be responsible for your own health as well. Self checking every month is a good way to be aware. Simply, being familiar with your own mouth can help you notice if something is suddenly different.

A good defense to oral cancer is being educated and prepared. Early detection is key for Dr. Pape and thus offers a test that can detect cells that can be precancerous. This is another great way to offer great care for  patients. If you have questions about it, you can always ask Dr. Richard Pape at your appointment or call our office at (708)403-9848 and one of our staff members will be glad to assist you.