Oral Cancer Screenings
One of the most serious oral health conditions that you can develop is oral cancer. Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, sides, and floor of the mouth, the hard and soft palates, and the throat. When not diagnosed and treated in its’ early stages, this condition can be life-threatening.
Oral cancer can take on many forms. Some warning signs that you may have developed the condition are unexplained bleeding in your gums, numbness in your face, sores that do not heal, and the development of velvety patches in your mouth. If you think that you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is absolutely crucial to see a medical professional as soon as possible.
There are a few factors that put you at a higher risk of developing oral cancer. For instance, tobacco, excessive alcohol use, and a history of cancer in your family may all contribute to your chance of developing this cancer. HPV and other diseases and conditions can also put you at a higher risk.
An oral cancer screening will consist of a thorough examination of your mouth, throat, and face. We will closely observe all of your oral tissue. The purpose of this is to examine any thing that looks irregular. If we find anything suspicious or areas of concern, we will have a biopsy done to look for any cancerous and precancerous cells.
Oral cancer is an incredibly serious condition that can be hard to treat once it reached its advanced stages. It can be deadly when not properly treated and caught in its’ early stages. This is why it is important to come see us every six months for an in-depth screening and check-up.