Oral cancer screening in Nashua, NH

Oral and throat cancers can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, floor and roof of the mouth, and the throat. In the early stages, they often cause no pain, so problems can go unnoticed. When these cancers are found early, treatment is generally simpler and outcomes are much better. Risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, HPV infection, sun exposure to the lips, and age. Oral cancer can also occur in people with none of these risk factors, which is why we screen every patient.

Between visits, pay attention to changes in your mouth. Tell us if you notice a sore that doesn't heal within two weeks, or a red or white patch. Other signs include a lump or thickening, ongoing hoarseness, or trouble chewing or swallowing. Numbness, ear pain on one side, or a feeling that something is caught in your throat are also worth checking. Most of these changes turn out to be harmless, but any that last should be checked. If we find something concerning, we'll monitor it closely or refer you for a biopsy.