Upton and Baker DDS - Wake Forest

Oral Cancer Screening in Wake Forest

Detecting cancer early in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat is crucial. Learn to recognize the signs and understand your risks.
Call 919-263-2143

The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. When detected early, the treatment success rate is significantly higher. While individuals over 45 are at a higher risk, oral cancer screenings are recommended for anyone who experiences the following symptoms:

  • Discolored patches in the mouth or on the lips, which may appear white or dark red.
  • Unfamiliar lumps or changes in texture within the mouth.
  • Canker sores that don’t heal, numb areas, or persistent bleeding.
  • Changes in how your tongue feels, alterations in taste, or difficulty swallowing.
  • Early detection can make all the difference, so understanding and recognizing these symptoms is key.

Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

Certain behaviors and conditions can increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer, including:

  • Tobacco Use: Smoking or using tobacco products like cigarettes, cigars, or chewing tobacco.
  • Alcohol Consumption: Heavy or moderate alcohol intake, particularly when combined with tobacco use.
  • HPV Infection: The presence of the human papillomavirus (HPV) in the mouth.
  • Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to the sun, especially without protection.
  • Poor Diet: Unhealthy eating habits or a lack of a balanced diet.
  • Family History: A family history of oral cancer can increase the risk.
  • Gender: Oral cancer is more commonly diagnosed in men than in women.
  • Leukoplakia: A history of leukoplakia, which is characterized by thick, whitish patches inside the mouth.

Understanding these risk factors is vital for early detection and prevention of oral cancer. Regular screenings and lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk.

Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer treatment varies from person to person, tailored to the type, location, and severity of the condition. Here’s what to know about prevention and detection:

Spotting Early Signs of Cancer

The primary goal of an oral cancer screening is to identify cancer or precancerous conditions as early as possible. During the exam, your dentist will inspect the inside of your mouth and beneath your tongue, looking for any red or white patches or unusual sores. The dentist will also feel for lumps or unusual textures within the mouth, as well as on the outside of the throat and neck.

Early detection plays a crucial role in effective treatment, so regular screenings are key to staying on top of your oral health

Diagnosis and Treatment

If signs of cancer are found during an oral screening, additional tests may be required. This could include a biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken for lab examination, or imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs. If a tumor is confirmed, treatment may involve surgery to remove it or therapies like chemotherapy or radiation.

Prevention of Oral Cancer

There are proactive steps you can take to reduce your risk of oral cancer. Regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection, so make sure to see your dentist routinely. Quitting tobacco products and drinking alcohol responsibly can significantly lower your risk. Be mindful of sun exposure by using UV-protective lip balms, and maintain a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Additionally, while brushing and flossing, examine your mouth for any unusual changes or symptoms and report concerns to your dentist promptly. These habits can play a vital role in prevention and early detection.

Contact us today

to schedule an initial consultation & exam.

Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any risk factors for oral cancer, it’s wise to ask for a screening during your regular dental exam. Additionally, if you notice any unusually colored or textured patches in your mouth, lumps, or suspicious sores, you should schedule an appointment to have them evaluated.

During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will thoroughly examine your lips and the inside of your mouth, including your cheeks, gums, and all sides of your tongue. They will also feel for any lumps or unusual textures. The examination may extend to your face, jaw, throat, and neck, checking for any lumps or tenderness.

Start by washing your hands thoroughly with warm soapy water. Stand in front of a mirror and examine the roof of your mouth, lips, tongue, and gums. Pull your top lip up and bottom lip down to see behind them. To check the sides and underside of your tongue, you can use a piece of gauze or a cotton pad for better grip. Carefully inspect your gums and use your fingers to feel the insides of your mouth. Look for any changes in color, lumps, unusual textures, or tenderness. If you notice any sores that haven’t healed after two weeks, make sure to inform your dentist.

Early mouth cancer often presents as small, flat patches that are usually painless. These patches may be red, white, gray, or yellow with red edges and can develop on any area of the mouth, including the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, or roof of the mouth. If you notice anything unusual in look or feel, it’s best to have it checked by your doctor or dentist promptly.

Google Verified Patient Reviews

Whitney Bailey
1 month ago
I’ve never felt secure with a dentist until I found Dr Baker. He is so caring and always takes his time to explain everything. He truly cares about his patients. Having a dentist you can trust is priceless. The office is clean and homey. The staff is always friendly and welcoming. I no longer dread going to the dentist.
More
Marcus Allen
1 month ago
Best Dentist in the area. Great hygienists and the dentists always take the time to discuss any areas of improvement or concern. Other places I feel like they are rushing you in and out as quickly as possible. I have recommended at least 4 people to go there and they all love it. If Baker or Upton are unsure of the best course of treatment, they will call other specialists to get their opinion. My wife went to 3 other dentists before Baker, and he was able to figure out the issue after a week. I can not recommend them enough.
More
Alice Okamoto
1 month ago
Highly recommend. As someone who finds dental work very aversive, Dr. Baker and Kelly were awesome. The whole team was so welcoming and the work itself was a breeze compared to previous experiences elsewhere.
More
The office feels like family. Dr Baker and Dr Upton are very thorough when explaining. You leave understanding just what needs to be done or even was done. I would this recommend this office to anyone
More
Keiko Nakamoto
8 months ago
Just had my second visit to Dr. Upton. On my first visit, Dr. and his assistant, Jessica, did a thorough evaluation of my situation. He asked me questions about my dental history and actually listened carefully to my concerns. Then he left to review my x-rays and options for treatment. When he returned, he gave me some options, which I REALLY appreciated. He even took into consideration my dietary habits and the fact I don't like prescription medications. Not even my physicians gave me that kind of concern!! Today I had my tooth pulled out and he took into consideration my financial situation and did it under local anesthesia, where my previous experience was done under general anesthesia. It was less expensive and totally tolerable. I'm glad that he considers the whole patient, the tolerance to pain, the budget and the treatment preferences. I also appreciate that he sat on a stool and spoke to me face to face. His office staff, Jessica, Megan and Priscilla are all equally attentive and considerate. Thank you everyone 💓! Yes, I would recommend their services to anyone in need of dental care.
More
Whitney Bailey
1 month ago
I’ve never felt secure with a dentist until I found Dr Baker. He is so caring and always takes his time to explain everything. He truly cares about his patients. Having a dentist you can trust is priceless. The office is clean and homey. The staff is always friendly and welcoming. I no longer dread going to the dentist.
More
Marcus Allen
1 month ago
Best Dentist in the area. Great hygienists and the dentists always take the time to discuss any areas of improvement or concern. Other places I feel like they are rushing you in and out as quickly as possible. I have recommended at least 4 people to go there and they all love it. If Baker or Upton are unsure of the best course of treatment, they will call other specialists to get their opinion. My wife went to 3 other dentists before Baker, and he was able to figure out the issue after a week. I can not recommend them enough.
More
Alice Okamoto
1 month ago
Highly recommend. As someone who finds dental work very aversive, Dr. Baker and Kelly were awesome. The whole team was so welcoming and the work itself was a breeze compared to previous experiences elsewhere.
More
The office feels like family. Dr Baker and Dr Upton are very thorough when explaining. You leave understanding just what needs to be done or even was done. I would this recommend this office to anyone
More
Keiko Nakamoto
8 months ago
Just had my second visit to Dr. Upton. On my first visit, Dr. and his assistant, Jessica, did a thorough evaluation of my situation. He asked me questions about my dental history and actually listened carefully to my concerns. Then he left to review my x-rays and options for treatment. When he returned, he gave me some options, which I REALLY appreciated. He even took into consideration my dietary habits and the fact I don't like prescription medications. Not even my physicians gave me that kind of concern!! Today I had my tooth pulled out and he took into consideration my financial situation and did it under local anesthesia, where my previous experience was done under general anesthesia. It was less expensive and totally tolerable. I'm glad that he considers the whole patient, the tolerance to pain, the budget and the treatment preferences. I also appreciate that he sat on a stool and spoke to me face to face. His office staff, Jessica, Megan and Priscilla are all equally attentive and considerate. Thank you everyone 💓! Yes, I would recommend their services to anyone in need of dental care.
More
Upton and Baker DDS - Wake Forest

Request an Appointment Today

Call 919-263-2143