Hawkins Family Dentistry - Midlothian

Oral Cancer Screening in Midlothian

Our oral cancer screening services focus on the early detection of cancer in the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat. Identifying cancer early significantly improves treatment outcomes. Learn to recognize the signs, understand your risk factors, and take proactive steps to protect your oral health.
Call 804-944-8984

The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer occurs when abnormal cell growth develops in the mouth, lips, tongue, or throat. Early detection is crucial, as it significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. While those over 45 are at higher risk, anyone experiencing the following symptoms should consider an oral cancer screening:

  • Discoloured Patches: Look out for white, dark red, or unusual-coloured patches in your mouth or on your lips.
  • Unfamiliar Lumps or Texture Changes: Any new lumps, bumps, or changes in the texture of your mouth tissue can be a warning sign.
  • Persistent Sores: Canker sores that don’t heal, numb areas, or ongoing bleeding in the mouth should not be ignored.
  • Altered Sensations: Unusual sensations in the tongue, changes in taste, or difficulty swallowing can indicate a problem.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to get screened as soon as possible to ensure early detection and prompt treatment.

The Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

Certain behaviours and conditions are linked to a higher risk of developing oral cancer. Key risk factors include:

  • Tobacco Use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or using chewing tobacco significantly increases the risk of oral cancer.
  • Alcohol Consumption: Heavy or moderate alcohol use, especially when combined with tobacco, further elevates the risk.
  • HPV Infection: The presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the mouth can contribute to the development of oral cancer.
  • Excessive Sun Exposure: Prolonged exposure to the sun, particularly affecting the lips, can increase cancer risk.
  • Poor Diet: Inadequate nutrition and unhealthy eating habits can contribute to the development of oral cancer.
  • Family History: A family history of oral cancer may increase your risk.
  • Gender: Oral cancer is more commonly diagnosed in men than in women.
  • Leukoplakia: A history of leukoplakia, which presents as thick, whitish patches inside the mouth, is a known risk factor.

Understanding these risk factors and taking steps to minimize them can play an important role in reducing your risk of developing oral cancer.

Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Oral Cancer

The approach to treating oral cancer varies based on the severity, type, and location of the cancer. Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual patient to ensure the most effective care.

Spotting Early Signs of Cancer

The primary goal of oral cancer screening is to identify cancer or precancerous conditions early. During the exam, your dentist will carefully inspect the inside of your mouth and under your tongue, looking for red or white patches, sores, or other unusual signs. They will also feel the tissues inside your mouth for lumps or changes in texture, and may check your throat and neck for any external lumps.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If your screening indicates signs of potential cancer, further testing may be required. This could include a biopsy, where a small sample of suspicious tissue is taken for laboratory analysis, or imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs. Depending on the findings, treatment options may involve surgery to remove tumours, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy to target cancer cells.

Prevention of Oral Cancer

Reducing your risk of oral cancer involves proactive steps, including regular dental exams for early detection. Quitting tobacco use and drinking alcohol in moderation are crucial preventive measures. Protect your lips from excessive sun exposure by using UV-protective lip balms, and maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. During your daily oral care routine, take a moment to examine your mouth for any unusual changes and report any concerns to your dentist promptly. These preventive actions can significantly lower your risk of developing oral cancer.

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 of the known risk factors for oral cancer, it’s wise to request an oral cancer screening during your regular dental exam. Additionally, if you notice any unusual patches of colour or texture in your mouth, lumps, or persistent sores, it’s important to schedule an appointment promptly to have these areas examined by your dentist.

During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will thoroughly examine your lips, cheeks, gums, and all sides of your tongue, carefully inspecting for any abnormal patches or lesions. They will also gently palpate the inside of your mouth to feel for unusual textures or lumps. Beyond the mouth, your dentist may examine your face, jaw, throat, and neck, checking for any abnormal lumps, swelling, or tenderness to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.

Start by washing your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Standing in front of a mirror, inspect the roof of your mouth, lips, tongue, and gums. Lift your upper lip and pull down your lower lip to check behind them. To get a better grip on your tongue, you can use a piece of gauze or a cotton pad to gently hold and move it, allowing you to inspect the sides and underside thoroughly. Examine your gums and feel around the inside of your mouth with your fingers, checking for any changes in colour, unusual lumps or bumps, and textures or tenderness. If you notice any sores that haven’t healed after two weeks, schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Early signs of mouth cancer often present as small, usually painless, flat patches that can appear red, white, grey, or yellow with red edges. These patches may develop on any part of the mouth, including the lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and roof of the mouth. If you notice any areas in your mouth that look or feel unusual, it’s always best to have them evaluated by your dentist or doctor to ensure early detection and treatment.

What Our Patients Are Saying

For more than 15 years, we've earned our 5-star reputation as one of the most trusted dental care providers for residents of Midlothian, Chesterfield, Powhatan, and the Greater Richmond area. We love our patients, and it seems they love us too!

  • Google reviews
  • Video testimonials
Susan Keen
2 weeks ago
Always friendly and professional. Dr Hawkins and his staff are the BEST. I moved out of state and still come back to Hawkins Family in Midlothian for my dental needs!
More
Doug Cornell
3 weeks ago
Hawkins Family Dentistry is the best dental practice in all of Virginia. Dr. Hawkins takes the time to explain the options and then moves quickly to get the job done. The support personnel are phenomenal, especially Brittney, who always is helpful and is usually assigned to me. They are also one of the most technically advanced dental practices I have ever seen. Great dentist I would highly recommend.
More
Brittany Schmitt
1 month ago
I needed a whole bunch of fillings done, and was really dreading it because my experience with fillings at a previous dentist was terrible. Dr. Hawkins and his team put me at ease from the very beginning, and were so gracious and thoughtful the whole time. And my teeth feel great! These people are seriously good at what they do, and more importantly, it’s easy to see they care about people. Highly recommend!
More
Adam Cunningham
1 month ago
My family & I have been going to Hawkins Family Dentistry for years & have always had great experiences. They have a very knowledgeable & talented staff who are always nice, helpful & proactive. We highly recommend them!
More
Mandy Corrigan
5 months ago
So grateful for Hawkins Family Dentistry! I moved to Virginia a couple years ago and had a heck of a time finding the right practice that would care for my dental hygiene as much as I do! Then my optometrist (shout out to Grove eye Care) recommended Hawkins and I'm so grateful. Every staff member I've had the pleasure of interacting with is knowledgeable and warm natured. To me, it feels very comfortable in this office, like everyone is in good spirits and respects the business as a whole. I love that vibe, especially in a professional medical environment, where patients can often feel nervous. Seriously this practice makes me feel good about taking care of my teeth, I look forward to going to the dentist. Even when I found out I had a cavity during my cleaning(which I was at first devastated about) I left feeling better than when I came in. Dr. Alex Hawkins was able to nip that cavity in the bud in 45 minutes! I was so impressed that I was able to get my cleaning, annual x rays and an impromptu fill in under 2hrs Thank you all!
More

Painless Treatment

Comfortable And At Ease

Long Term Patient

Hawkins Family Dentistry - Midlothian

Request an Appointment Today

Call 804-944-8984