Oral cancer screening

• Preventative Dentistry
• Hygiene and Cleaning
• Fluoride treatment
• Dental Sealants
• Oral cancer screening
• Periodontal maintenance
• LANAP

More than 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year according to research conducted by the American Cancer Society,. More than 7,000 of these cases result in the death of the patient. The good news is that oral cancer can easily be diagnosed with an annual oral cancer exam, and effectively treated when caught in its earliest stages. Early detection which include the visual inspection of the mouth is being considered in countries where incidence is high. Treatment is very effective when oral cancer is detected early.

Oral cancer is a pathologic process which begins with an asymptomatic stage during which the usual cancer signs may not be readily noticeable. Hence oral cancer examinations performed by the dentist are critically important.

Where can Oral Cancer appear?

There are many different places in the oral cavity and maxillofacial region in which oral cancers commonly occur, including lips, cheek lining, gums, front part of your tongue, floor of the mouth, the roof of your mouth, throat, and also the back of your tongue.

Reasons for oral cancer examinations

It is important to note that around 75 percent of oral cancers are linked with modifiable behaviors such as smoking, tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption. Your dentist can provide literature and education on making lifestyle changes and smoking cessation.

Any noticeable abnormalities in the tongue, gums, mouth or surrounding area should be evaluated by a health professional as quickly as possible. During the oral cancer exam, the dentist and dental hygienist will be scrutinizing the maxillofacial and oral regions carefully for signs of pathologic changes.

Oral cancer exams, diagnosis and treatment

The oral cancer examination is a completely painless process. During the visual part of the examination, the dentist will look for abnormality and feel the face, glands and neck for unusual bumps.

During bi-annual check-ups, the dentist and hygienist will thoroughly look for changes and lesions in the mouth, but a dedicated comprehensive oral cancer screening should be performed at least once each year.

If you have any questions or concerns about oral cancer, please contact our practice or walk in to Philadelphia’s best dental clinic at P3 Dental of Northeast Philadelphia, 10000 E Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia.