Oral Cancer Exams
When you visit Partners in Periodontics for an oral cancer exam Loveland residents trust, you’re taking a critical step toward protecting your health. Dr. Chad Riggs performs thorough screenings designed to catch abnormalities before they become serious problems. Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes, turning what could be a devastating diagnosis into a manageable condition.
The Importance of Regular Screenings
The American Cancer Society reports that over 30,000 cases of oral cancer receive diagnoses each year in the United States. Tragically, more than 7,000 of these cases result in death. These numbers highlight why routine screenings matter so much. Oral cancer develops as a pathologic process that produces no symptoms in its earliest stages, making it nearly impossible to recognize without professional examination.
The most common type, malignant squamous cell carcinoma, typically originates in the lip and mouth tissue. However, oral cancers can develop in multiple locations:
- Tongue
- Salivary glands
- Throat
- Gums
- Face and cheek tissue
Other forms include teratoma, adenocarcinoma, and melanoma. Because periodontal disease and oral health issues often interconnect, comprehensive care addresses all aspects of your oral wellness.
What Happens During Your Oral Cancer Exam Loveland Appointment
Dr. Riggs conducts completely painless examinations that thoroughly assess your oral health. The screening begins with a visual inspection of your mouth, looking for any color, texture, or appearance irregularities. He then carefully palpates your face, glands, and neck, checking for unusual bumps or swelling that might indicate underlying problems.
Advanced diagnostic technology enhances the examination process. Our practice uses specialized lasers that highlight pathologic changes invisible to the naked eye. These tools allow Dr. Riggs to “look” below the surface, detecting spots and lesions that traditional examinations might miss. This combination of hands-on expertise and cutting-edge technology ensures nothing goes unnoticed.
Warning Signs We Look For
During your oral cancer exam, our team searches for several key indicators:
Red Patches and Sores: Red patches appearing on the floor of the mouth or front of the tongue raise concern, especially when accompanied by bleeding sores that refuse to heal. These persistent wounds often signal cancerous changes requiring immediate attention.
Leukoplakia: This condition appears as hardened white or gray lesions, slightly raised and occurring inside the mouth. While not always cancerous, leukoplakia demands careful evaluation and monitoring.
Tissue Changes: Any soreness, lumps, or general thickening of tissue anywhere in the throat or mouth can indicate pathologic signs. Dr. Riggs examines these areas carefully, noting changes from previous visits.
Comprehensive Treatment Approaches
If Dr. Riggs identifies abnormalities, lesions, lumps, or leukoplakia during your examination, he will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your diagnosis. Treatment options vary based on the type and stage of cancer detected, but may include surgical excision, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Sometimes, a combination approach delivers the best results.
Understanding the mouth-body connection helps explain why oral health screenings protect your overall wellness. Issues in your mouth can affect your entire body, and systemic health problems often manifest in oral symptoms first.
Prevention and Risk Factors
Over 75% of oral cancers are linked directly to avoidable behaviors. Smoking, tobacco use in any form, and excessive alcohol consumption significantly increase your risk. These habits damage cells in your mouth and throat, creating conditions where cancer can develop and thrive.
Dr. Riggs and our experienced team provide resources and support for patients looking to quit dangerous habits. We offer literature, referrals to cessation programs, and ongoing encouragement throughout your journey toward better health. Making lifestyle changes now reduces your cancer risk and improves your quality of life.
Advanced Care Using Proven Methods
Partners in Periodontics combines traditional expertise with modern treatment methods to deliver exceptional care. Dr. Riggs stays current with the latest developments in oral cancer detection and treatment, ensuring you benefit from evidence-based practices that produce real results.
Regular screenings create a baseline for comparison, allowing Dr. Riggs to spot even subtle changes over time. This longitudinal approach to care catches problems early when treatment is most effective and least invasive.
Making Your Oral Health a Priority
Financial concerns shouldn’t prevent you from receiving essential screenings. Partners in Periodontics offers flexible payment plans that make quality care accessible. We work with patients to find solutions that fit their budgets while never compromising on the thoroughness of treatment.
Annual oral cancer exams protect your health and give you peace of mind. When you catch cancer early, treatment success rates soar. What might require extensive intervention later becomes manageable with prompt attention.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Exam in Loveland Today
Don’t wait until symptoms appear to seek care. By the time oral cancer produces noticeable symptoms, it has often progressed beyond the earliest, most treatable stages. Proactive screening gives you the best chance for positive outcomes.
Contact our office to schedule your comprehensive oral cancer exam in Loveland for thorough, compassionate care. Dr. Chad Riggs and our dedicated team look forward to partnering with you in maintaining optimal oral health. Your smile deserves expert protection—let us provide the screening that could save your life.