Oral Cancer Screenings

Oral cancer appears as a persistent growth or sore in the oral cavity that most commonly affects the tongue, but can also affect the lips, cheek, gums, floor of the mouth, and palate. Men are at twice the risk than women, with men over 50 years of age facing the highest risk. When caught soon enough, it is actually curable in 80-90% of cases. Still, statistics reveal that one American dies of oral cancer approximately every hour of every day.

While tobacco, alcohol, and excessive sun exposure are the primary lifestyle risk factors for oral cancer, surprisingly more than 25% of oral cancer victims do not use either substance nor have any other lifestyle risk factors. This statistic reveals the paramount importance in regular oral cancer screenings for everyone, including those who live very healthy lifestyles.

Oral Cancer Diagnosis

Given cyclic nature of dental hygiene appointments, dentists are usually the first to identify suspicious signs of oral cancer. During both of the recommended semiannual dental examinations, Dr. Jason will not only thoroughly examine the health of your gums and teeth, but they will also screen for oral cancer by evaluating your oral tissues, head, and neck. Should any suspicious lesions exist, a brush or scalpel biopsy may be performed and sent to a lab for histologic evaluation to rule out cancer. Undetected cancer can metastasize and spread to neighboring sites so it is important to not only live a healthy lifestyle, but also regularly screen for oral cancer.

Oral Cancer Treatment

If oral cancer is confirmed via biopsy, treatment must begin immediately. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the cancerous lesion, followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy to ensure full eradication of cancerous cells.

Please contact us to schedule your oral cancer screening; they do not take long, and could help save your life!