Oral Cancer Screening in Lisle, IL
Few health threats to the mouth are as serious as oral cancer, yet catching it early sends survival rates climbing dramatically. That is why Drs. Brammeier and Ericson perform thorough oral cancer screenings at Brammeier Family Dental, spotting abnormalities before they become dangerous. The exam is quick, painless, and fits into any routine visit. The Centers for Disease Control recommend annual oral cancer screenings for all patients over 17.
In its early stages, oral cancer often brings no pain and no symptoms at all. Regular screenings are your best chance of catching it when treatment is most effective.
What it is
A quick, painless visual and physical examination of the mouth, tongue, lips, cheeks, glands, and neck, looking for any abnormalities, lesions, or signs of oral cancer at the earliest possible stage.
Who it's for
Every adult. The CDC recommends annual screenings for everyone over 17, and those carrying risk factors (tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, HPV, sun exposure, family history) should stay especially vigilant.
How we help
A thorough visual examination, palpation of the mouth and neck, and specialized light technology that reveals abnormalities below the skin's surface, all in just a few minutes during your regular visit.
Catching it early saves lives. Schedule your oral cancer screening today.
Oral Cancer: The Facts
- Each year, more than 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer
- In the United States, roughly one person dies every hour from oral cancer
- At about 50%, the five-year survival rate is higher than cervical or prostate cancer mortality
- Caught early, survival rates improve significantly
- At its earliest stages, oral cancer is frequently painless and invisible to the naked eye
- Advanced oral cancer is treated with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, all disfiguring and expensive, which is what makes early detection critical
Risk Factors
- Tobacco: Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco all significantly increase risk
- Alcohol: Heavy or frequent drinking, particularly when paired with tobacco use
- HPV: Human papillomavirus, HPV-16 in particular, is increasingly linked to oropharyngeal cancers
- Sun exposure: Extended UV exposure drives up the risk of lip cancer
- Age: Risk climbs with age, though HPV-related cancers are rising among younger adults
- Family history: A personal or family history of cancer adds to the risk
Warning Signs to Watch For
- Patches inside the mouth that are white, red, or a mix of both
- Any sore or ulcer that doesn't heal within 2 weeks
- Lumps, bumps, or thickening with no clear cause in the mouth, lip, or throat
- A lingering sore throat, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing
- Numbness in the tongue, lip, or elsewhere in the mouth
- Notice any of these signs and schedule an appointment immediately rather than waiting for your next regular visit
A screening takes only minutes yet could save your life. Make it part of your annual dental visit.
What to Expect at Your Visit
The Screening Process
- Visual exam: Drs. Brammeier and Ericson look over the lips, cheeks, tongue, floor of the mouth, gums, and throat for any abnormalities
- Physical exam: A gentle palpation of the tongue, lips, cheeks, face, glands, and neck checks for lumps or swelling
- Light technology: A special laser or light may help reveal abnormalities below the skin's surface
- Duration: The whole screening takes just a few minutes and is completely painless
- Next steps: Should anything unusual turn up, Drs. Brammeier and Ericson will discuss what comes next and refer you to a specialist for a biopsy if definitive diagnosis is needed
Prevention Tips
- Skip tobacco entirely. It is the single greatest risk factor for oral cancer
- Go easy on alcohol. Heavy drinking sharply increases risk, especially combined with tobacco
- Protect your lips with an SPF lip balm whenever you are out in the sun
- Eat a healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables supply antioxidants that may help prevent cancer
- Get screened annually. Early detection matters more than anything to successful treatment
- Oral cancer can strike anyone, even those with no known risk factors
Frequently Asked Questions
Beating oral cancer starts with early detection. Schedule your screening today.