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Posted on 10/25/2018 by Barbara Ketchum |
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 Regular oral cancer screenings are essential to detect signs of a problem as early as possible. Unfortunately, most people don't notice symptoms of oral cancer until the disease is in a more advanced stage and is more difficult to treat. With an oral screening, your dentist can identify a problem much earlier, which can be a major benefit for your recovery. Who Benefits from Oral Cancer Screenings?Everyone benefits from oral cancer screenings, but it is especially useful for people at a high risk for oral cancer. These include people with the following factors:
Talk to your dentist about whether an oral cancer screening might be right in your unique situation. What Happens during an Oral Cancer Screening?When your dentist conducts your oral cancer screening, he will look at the inside of your mouth to inspect for discolored areas or mouth sores. The will thoroughly inspect the following areas:
Using a gloved hand, he will also feel the tissues inside of the mouth to check for lumps, bumps, and other abnormalities. Your dentist will also inspect structures on the outside of the mouth to determine if a problem exists. The entire face should be examined to look for masses, swelling, and asymmetry, and he may also examine the lymph nodes to look for signs of enlargement. Finally, the thyroid gland should be inspected, and the lips should be evaluated with the mouth both opened and closed. We regularly conduct oral cancer screenings for our patients, as our goal is to detect signs of oral cancer when the disease is at its earliest, most easily treatable stage. Call us today to set up your next appointment. |
