Oral Cancer Screenings
Early Detection is your Best Protection against Oral Cancer
Dr. Denison recommends that all adult dental patients have a cancer screening test performed once a year. Oral pathology involves diagnosing and treating diseases of the mouth such as cysts, tumors, and precancerous and cancerous lesions. Diagnosing diseases in the mouth as early as possible is very important. The earlier a disease is diagnosed, the more successful treatment will be. The patient simply rinses with a solution for 30 seconds and Dr. Denison uses a photo-luminescent stick to evaluate the patients’ cheeks, gums, tongue and throat to detect any suspicious growths or discolorations.
What to Expect During An Oral Cancer Screening?
During an oral cancer exam, Dr. Denison will:
- Exam of the tongue and insides of your mouth to check for red or white patches or sores
- Feel the tissues of the mouth to check for lumps or other abnormalities
- Palpate the neck and thyroid for any abnormalitites
- Order further testing on abnormalities that are found
Treatment
Treatments will vary depending on the type of disease that is found. The specific needs of each patient will be addressed on a case by case basis in order to achieve the best results. Our office is dedicated to making any procedure performed as comfortable as possible.
Self-Oral Cancer Exams
It is a good idea to become familiar with the structures in your mouth so that you may be able to identify any areas that do not seem normal. Conducting periodic self-oral cancer screenings between dental exams can potentially help to diagnose areas of concern in the early stages of growth. Like most cancers, oral cancer is most easily treated when detected and treated early.
