How to watch for oral cancer and when to have oral cancer screenings

According to the American Cancer Society at Cancer.org, there are approximately 54,000 new cases of oral cancer each year and about 11,000 deaths each year. These numbers continue to rise, making it more important than ever for both men and women to be aware of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer, or “oropharyngeal cancer,” to catch the condition early enough for successful intervention.

At Cambridge Family Dental of Cambridge, Wisconsin, Dr. Angela Bauer Williams and her team are here to assist in educating patients on oral cancers and what to look for to determine if there is a possible concern.

What is oral cancer?

Dr. Angela Bauer Williams describes oral cancer as cancer cells present anywhere in the oral cavity. This may include the tongue, the tonsils, the oropharynx, the gum tissues, the floor or roof of the mouth, or any other areas such as the salivary glands or even the lips. When cancerous cells are found, patients must talk to their dental provider or primary care physician about their next steps. In most situations, excision, or removal, of the cancerous cells is the most effective way to remove them and keep the cancer from spreading elsewhere in the body and worsening.

What are some signs of oral cancer to look for?

If you are noticing or experiencing any of the symptoms or signs of oral cancer, calling the dentist or doctor for an evaluation and oral cancer test (or biopsy) is the proper next step. Some changes to look for include:

  • Sores in the mouth that do not heal
  • Chronic sore throats
  • Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
  • White or red patches in the mouth
  • Difficulty swallowing or chewing
  • Numbness in the mouth
  • Strange growths on the tongue (tongue cancer)

Be proactive with early detection of oral cancer!

Whenever new growths, spots, or changes occur in the mouth, it is vital that you make an appointment with Dr. Angela Bauer Williams of Cambridge Family Dental to be evaluated for oral cancer during an oral cancer screening.

Our office is located at 710 Katie Court and can be reached by calling (608) 423-6784.

Dr. Angela Bauer Williams EAT Bio

Dr. Angela Bauer Williams

Hello! I’m Dr. Angela Bauer, and I would like to welcome you to my dental practice in beautiful Cambridge, Wisconsin. The most important part of my practice is taking care of my patients in a compassionate and honorable way. I will treat you like I treat my own family and friends, with utmost honesty and your best interests at heart at all times. Because my practice is a locally-owned small business and not a corporation, we can focus on doing the right thing for our patients. We only hire the best people and use the best materials for our patients to ensure healthy, long-lasting, and beautiful treatment. My practice is designed with your comfort in mind, from the inviting waiting room upon entry to the relaxing view with gorgeous landscaping and wildlife from our treatment rooms. We even have blankets and headphones for your comfort.

I utilize only the most modern and proven techniques and materials in treatment. That way, my patients get all the benefits of the best care possible. We have all the latest technologies, including digital scanners for optimal results, digital x-rays for precision, and even intraoral cameras to take pictures of teeth. That way, if you do need treatment, we can show you exactly why, so there is no uncertainty.

I have been in practice for over 20 years, and during that time I have strived to be the best dentist possible for my patients. In 2017 I was honored with a Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry. Just this year, the same Academy awarded me with a Mastership, which only two percent of practicing dentists currently hold. That is my practice! I am Dr. Angela Bauer, and I invite you to come and see why we are different.