Our doctors and our team use the VELscope® oral cancer screening system in Chicago, IL, to examine your mouth for oral cancer and help keep your smile healthy. Usually performed during your routine dental checkups, this screening is fast, easy and nonintrusive.
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VelScope® Oral Cancer Screening
Detect dental problems early and save time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!
Oral cancer includes cancers of the lips, tongue, floor of the mouth, cheeks, throat (pharynx), sinuses, and hard and soft palate. While oral cancer can usually be successfully treated when detected early, most cases of oral cancer are not detected until they have progressed into a more serious, advanced stage that is much more difficult to treat. In fact, oral cancer may be life-threatening. At our office, we are dedicated to doing all we can to detect and treat oral cancers and other abnormalities at the earliest possible stage. During your routine dental cleanings and exams at our office, our dentist and team will perform an oral cancer screening to check for the signs of oral cancer.
The following are common symptoms of oral cancer:
- A persistent sore throat or feeling that something is caught at the back of the throat
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- A persistent or lasting sore on the face, neck or mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal within two weeks
- Unexplained loss of feeling, pain or numbness in the face, neck or mouth
- Ear pain
- Lumps, bumps or rough spots on the gums, lips or other parts of the mouth
- Red, white or speckled red-and-white patches in the mouth
- Difficulty chewing, speaking or swallowing
- A change in the way your teeth or dentures fit together
Symptoms to look out for
The following are common symptoms of oral cancer:
- A persistent sore throat or feeling that something is caught at the back of the throat
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- A persistent or lasting sore on the face, neck or mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal within two weeks
- Unexplained loss of feeling, pain or numbness in the face, neck or mouth
- Ear pain
- Lumps, bumps or rough spots on the gums, lips or other parts of the mouth
- Red, white or speckled red-and-white patches in the mouth
- Difficulty chewing, speaking or swallowing
- A change in the way your teeth or dentures fit together
While our team will perform a screening for oral cancer to check for these and other symptoms, we encourage you to contact us if you notice any of these problems or if you experience any other type of dental pain. We are committed to helping you stay in good health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an oral cancer exam, and why is it important?
An oral cancer exam is part of a routine dental check-up, where your dentist inspects the soft tissues of your mouth, neck, and face for any abnormalities in color or texture that could indicate a pathological issue like oral cancer. Early detection is critical for successful treatment, as the survival rate for oral cancer is around 80% if diagnosed early.
What are some common pathological conditions affecting the oral region?
Common pathological conditions include geographic tongue (a map-like appearance with missing papillae), median palatal cysts (fluid-filled sacs that develop in the palate), and hairy tongue (a bacterial or yeast overgrowth). While many of these conditions are not life-threatening, prompt diagnosis and treatment can alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.
Effective, reliable treatments for patients of all ages.
No matter what your needs or goals for your smile may be, our dentists and teams are here to help. We look forward to meeting you and every member of your family and helping you take your first steps to better smiles.
Take some time to learn more about the services we provide at Perfect Smiles of Beverly. When you are ready to schedule an appointment with our dentists, contact our dental offices in Chicago.
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Our experienced and caring team is dedicated to serving patients of all ages, from children to seniors, and providing top-notch oral health care for the entire family. We strive to make dental visits easy and stress-free for you and your loved ones. Our family-friendly atmosphere ensures that every member of your household feels comfortable and at ease during their dental appointments.
From routine check-ups and cleanings to preventive treatments like dental sealants and fluoride treatments, we prioritize preventive care to maintain healthy smiles for a lifetime. Should any dental concerns arise, our skilled dentists are equipped to deliver a wide range of services, including restorative treatments, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry.