Oral Cancer Screening Morton Grove
“Early Cancer detection saves lives! Schedule an oral cancer screening today to catch issues early and protect your health. Call (847) 965-6223 today to schedule your appointment!” ⎯ Dr. Perry Danos
What is an Oral Cancer Screening? The oral cancer examination is a completely painless process. It is an examination to look for signs of cancer in your mouth. Types of oral cancers include mouth cancer, jaw cancer, and tongue cancer. The areas examined during the screening include: – Cheek lining – Floor and roof of your mouth – Gums – Lips – Tongue – Tonsils.
Why Are Oral Cancer Screenings Important?
Oral cancer is a common type of cancer that affects the head and neck, impacting people worldwide. Nearly 54,000 Americans receive a diagnosis of oral or oropharyngeal cancer each year. The five-year survival rate for oral cancer is 57%, meaning that just over half of the people diagnosed will be alive five years after their diagnosis. Although oral cancer is not particularly difficult to diagnose, the high fatality rates are mainly due to late detection. Oral cancer screenings are the most effective tool for early diagnosis and treatment.
When is an Oral Cancer Screening Recommended?
Healthcare providers perform oral cancer screenings to find cancer before symptoms appear. Early detection of oral cancer can lead to more successful treatment outcomes.
Can a Dentist Detect Oral Cancer?
While various healthcare providers can conduct oral cancer screenings, dentists commonly include them in routine exams. It’s important to understand that screenings do not diagnose cancer; instead, they are designed to identify potential signs of cancer. If anything suspicious is found, your Dentist will refer you to an oncologist for further evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment.
How is Early Oral Cancer Detected?
Oral cancer screenings can help identify early signs of oral cancer. However, the only definitive way to determine if you have oral cancer is to collect cells from suspicious areas and test them in a laboratory. If your healthcare provider suspects oral cancer, you will be referred to a specialist for further evaluation.
When Should I Contact My Healthcare Provider?
If you experience mouth pain or notice any new lumps, bumps, or lesions, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Early detection is crucial, so do not hesitate to seek medical care if something seems off.
Certain groups may benefit from regular oral cancer screenings more than others. Common risk factors include but are not limited to:
- A history of oral cancer
- Certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Regular consumption of a lot of alcohol
- Excessive amounts of time spent in the sun
- Tobacco use, in any form
A Note from ProCare Family Dental
Early detection of oral cancer is key to successful treatment. Regular screenings provide the best chance for identifying issues early. Ask your healthcare provider how often you should have screenings for optimal health.
Early detection saves lives! Schedule an oral cancer screening today to catch issues early and protect your health. Call (847) 965-6223 today to schedule your appointment!
Schedule your consultation with one of our doctors today!ProCare Family Dental
