Newest Oral Cancer Screening in Wilmington, DE

When you visit the dentist for a routine appointment, you expect the hygienist to clean your teeth before the dentist examines your teeth and gums and discusses any dental issues. However, did you know that most dentists also perform an oral cancer screening as part of their examination?

An oral cancer screening is an exam performed at Bruce E. Matthews DDS, to look for abnormalities that indicate oral cancer. Screening aims to detect this type of cancer in its early stages when removing the affected tissue is easier, significantly improving the prognosis. We offer an oral cancer screening as part of every dental exam.

Risk Factors of Oral Cancer

It’s important to know whether you are considered at risk for oral cancer; that way, you can make changes to your lifestyle to avoid being affected.

If you have any of the following risk factors associated with oral cancer, a screening of the oral cavity is crucial. When we refer to “the oral cavity,” we’re referring to your lips, gums, cheek lining, the front part of your tongue, the part of your mouth beneath the tongue, and the hard palate on the roof of your mouth. Risk factors include:

• Significant exposure to the sun, which increases your risk of lip cancer
• Tobacco use of any kind, including cigars, pipes, cigarettes, vaping, and chewing tobacco.
• Previous diagnosis of oral cancer
• Heavy alcohol use
• Human papilloma virus (HPV)

However, you can get oral cancer even if you have none of these risk factors. Oral cancer is most common in people aged 50 and over, but recent research indicates that younger people are also developing oral cancers related to human papillomavirus (HPV).

Oral Cancer Warning Signs

It’s also a good idea to perform self-examinations to look for early warning signs. Call us immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• White spots or irritation that last longer than two weeks
• Difficulty swallowing or moving your tongue and jaw
• Pain, tenderness, or numbness in mouth or lips
• Swelling or growths in or around your mouth or neck
• Frequent bleeding from the mouth or throat

Leading-Edge Oral Cancer Screening in Wilmington, DE

Oral cancer is often difficult to detect with the naked eye, even by experienced professionals. That is why our team uses the Identafi 3000, the newest and best oral screening technology available in the industry.

The Identafi 3000 is a small but powerful handheld instrument that helps detect early signs of oral cancer not usually found during routine examinations. This state-of-the-art device uses several wavelengths of ultra-violet light to expose abnormalities in your oral tissue, allowing our team to better identify the existence of cancerous cells in or around your mouth.

Early cancer detection is crucial because it allows us to recommend a proper course of treatment. The earlier oral cancer is caught, the better the chance you have to stop its spread and eliminate further tissue damage to your mouth, tongue, or throat. The Identafi 3000 allows us to detect oral cancer faster and safer than ever before.

Oral cancer affects millions of people every year. In some cases, oral cancer can even be life-threatening, and it’s more important than ever to get a fast and safe oral cancer screening.

Interested in Oral Cancer Screening in Wilmington, DE?

We value your overall health and well-being. Oral cancer is a serious threat, but it is also highly treatable when detected early. Please call Bruce E. Matthews, DDS, in Wilmington, DE, to schedule your next routine checkup and oral cancer screening. You can reach us at (302) 475-9220.