Oral Cancer Screenings
At every check-up and comprehensive exam, we look for oral cancer. 5 year survival rates of oral cancer are very low - around 64%. However, mouth or throat cancer can be easier to treat if caught early on and the quality of life post treatment increases dramatically, depending on how early the cancer is detected. We check your cheeks, lips, gingiva, tongue, roof of the mouth, floor of the mouth, and visualize the throat for signs of cancer or any form of pathology. You may not notice us checking these areas, but we make a habit of looking thoroughly. We may palpate your neck and cheeks.
It is important to be screened for oral cancer even if you do not have any teeth. Patients that wear dentures should come in at least once a year to check the fit of their denture and be screened for pathology.
If we do find unusual tissue or tissue that we are suspicious of, we will take a clinical photograph to document the lesion. Depending on the type of lesion, we may recommend medication, a biopsy, or an immediate visit to a specialist for treatment. If you see something unusual and have a question, don't hesitate to come in and ask! It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to oral lesions!
It is important to be screened for oral cancer even if you do not have any teeth. Patients that wear dentures should come in at least once a year to check the fit of their denture and be screened for pathology.
If we do find unusual tissue or tissue that we are suspicious of, we will take a clinical photograph to document the lesion. Depending on the type of lesion, we may recommend medication, a biopsy, or an immediate visit to a specialist for treatment. If you see something unusual and have a question, don't hesitate to come in and ask! It is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to oral lesions!