Your routine dental checkup at White Pearl Dentistry is designed to examine and detect the different elements involved in maintaining good oral health. The early phase of the appointment is designed to clean your teeth and detect any signs of tooth decay or gum disease. At the end of the checkup, your dentist, Dr. Nadia Hamouda, will perform a basic screening for signs of oral and pharyngeal cancer.
The American Dental Association reports that one in 92 adults will develop some form of oral or pharyngeal cancer in their lifetime. While the average age of diagnosis is 62 years of age, other risk factors, like a family history of oral and pharyngeal cancer, tobacco use and increased alcohol consumption, increase the chances of early onset.
Early symptoms of oral or pharyngeal cancer might include a persistent pain in your mouth, which could also be associated with swelling or a lump in your cheek. Pharyngeal cancer symptoms also include a persistent sore throat or a feeling like something is stuck in the back of your mouth.
Dr. Nadia Hamouda will examine your tongue, throat, face, and neck for any swelling or abnormal discoloration. Be sure to tell her about any increased risk factors for oral cancer you might have.
If you have questions or concerns about oral and pharyngeal cancer in Ann Arbor, Michigan, you can always call us at 734-222-0055 to schedule a dental checkup and oral cancer screening.