Oral Cancer Screening
in New Lenox, IL

Oral cancer affects tens of thousands of people each year, with men over age 50 being most at risk. Untreated, oral cancer can potentially be fatal, but if it’s caught in its early stages, it can be treated successfully.

At Lincolnway Dental Associates, we can help screen for early signs of oral cancer and recommend the appropriate next steps for further diagnosis and treatment. As your dentist, we consider it our responsibility to bring attention to any abnormalities we discover during your oral exam. Furthermore, we encourage you to contact our office as soon as possible if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed below.

If you have any concerns about your health and would like to set up an oral cancer exam, call us at (815) 462-4838.

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Oral Cancer Screening in New Lenox IL

Signs of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can affect the cheeks, lips, tongue, throat, sinuses, soft and hard palate, and the floor of the mouth.

Physical symptoms we often look for include:

  • A sore on the lip or in the mouth that won’t heal
  • White, red, or speckled white and red patches inside the mouth
  • Mouth pain
  • A lump in your mouth
  • Trouble swallowing, pain while swallowing
  • Trouble chewing
  • Bleeding from the mouth
  • Soreness in the throat
  • Ear pain
An Up Close View Of A Package Of Several Cigarettes

Common Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can affect just about anyone, but certain factors can put you at a significantly higher risk:

  • Smoking
  • Chewing tobacco/dipping snuff
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • A history of oral cancer in your family
  • Too much sun exposure
  • HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

How Oral Cancer Screenings are Performed

Oral cancer screenings require a thorough physical examination. We will need to check your face, head, neck, and mouth for unusual lumps, and look for sores and discolored tissue inside the mouth as well.

If needed, we might recommend a biopsy to further investigate an area of tissue that looks abnormal. We’ll let you know what kind of biopsy you’ll need to get a confirmed diagnosis.

Always pay attention to how you’re feeling and don’t let abnormal pain go unaddressed. To set up an appointment with Dr. Leesa and the rest of our team, call (815) 462-4838.