Oral cancer is a significant health concern that affects thousands of individuals annually. It refers to cancers that develop in any part of the oral cavity, including the lips, gums, tongue, inner lining of the cheeks, the roof of the mouth, and under the tongue. If you are looking for an oral cancer screening in Loveland, Colorado, Dr. Chad Riggs and the staff at Partners in Periodontics want to help you!

Causes and Risk Factors

Early detection is crucial, dramatically increasing the chances of successful treatment and survival. That is why it’s essential to identify causes and risk factors. Oral cancer can be attributed to several risk factors, some of which are lifestyle-related:

• Tobacco use: Using tobacco in the form of smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco is the most significant risk factor, accounting for about 75% of cases.
• Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol is another substantial contributor, particularly when combined with tobacco use.
• Prolonged sun exposure: Too much sun can lead to lip cancer.

Additionally, a diet low in fruits and vegetables, a family history of cancer, and genetic predispositions may also increase the risk of developing oral cancer. Men are more likely than women to develop oral cancer, with most cases occurring in individuals over the age of 40.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

One of the challenges with oral cancer is that it can be asymptomatic in its early stages. However, there are some warning signs that individuals should be aware of. These include a persistent sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal within two weeks, lumps or thickening in the cheek, white or red patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth, difficulty chewing or swallowing, numbness of the tongue or other areas of the mouth, and a feeling of something caught in the throat.

Other Symptoms

Other symptoms may involve chronic hoarseness, swelling that causes dentures to fit poorly, or unexplained bleeding in the mouth. If any of these symptoms persist, it is crucial to seek a professional evaluation from a healthcare provider who can perform a thorough examination. Early detection can significantly improve prognosis. If you notice any of these symptoms and want an examination for oral cancer in Loveland, please contact us to book an appointment.

Screening of Oral Cancer in Loveland

Dr. Riggs can screen for oral cancer with a detailed examination of the mouth, throat, and neck. He will look for abnormalities and feel for unusual bumps. Treatment for oral cancer depends on the stage and location of the cancer, as well as your overall health.

Common treatment options include

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted drug therapy involves medication focusing on cancer cells, reducing the risk of harm to normal, healthy cells.
• Surgery is often the primary option for early-stage cancers and involves removing the tumor and some surrounding tissue to ensure the elimination of all cancerous cells.
• Radiation therapy may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy, particularly for patients with more advanced cancer.

Prevention and Regular Checkups

Preventing oral cancer involves making informed lifestyle choices and maintaining regular dental checkups. Dr. Riggs at Partners in Periodontics in Loveland, Colorado, can help with early detection. Additionally, Dr. Riggs is skilled in esthetic/functional implant placement and Cosmetic Periodontal Surgery. For a regular checkup or oral cancer screening, get in touch with us to book an appointment. We want you to have a healthy and happy smile for many years!