Oral Cancer Screening![]() What is Oral Cancer?Oral cancer is a term that describes the largest group of cancers that falls into the head and neck category. It can begin anywhere inside your mouth, including the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, roof, or the back of the mouth. If not detected, and then treated, in its earliest stages, it is fatal. However, the earliest stages are not always noticeable. Of the more than 40,000 Americans affected every year, only just over half survive past five years. An oral cancer screening, which is performed at your regular oral exams every six months, is essential. With an oral cancer screening, we can spot potentially dangerous growths or other abnormalities, allowing you to get diagnosed and get the treatment you need right away. Warning Signs of Oral CancerWhile we perform oral cancer screenings at your regular oral exams, oral cancer can strike at any time. Knowing what symptoms to watch out for can help you to spot warning signs and take action right away. The sooner symptoms are noticed, and the faster action is taken, the better your chances of restoring your oral, and overall, health. Common warning signs of oral cancer include:
Am I at Risk for Oral Cancer?There are certain factors that can increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Some of these risks are controllable and can be avoided. There are also some risk factors that cannot be controlled. Risk factors include:
Diagnosing Oral CancerYour oral exam is only one step of the diagnostic process. If we discover any abnormalities during your regular exam, we will then take a closer look. X-rays are taken. We may also perform a soft tissue biopsy. A biopsy is an essential diagnostic tool that involves removing a part, or all, of the abnormality for closer examination under a microscope. Biopsies allow us to determine the presence of cancer cells or rule out oral cancer. Should we find cancerous cells, we can then help you to get the immediate treatment that you need. Detecting and treating oral cancer early is essential for restoring your oral, and overall, health, as well as your quality of life. For more information, or to schedule your dental exam, call Elmwood Dental, today at (833) 432-1457. |
![]() Contact Information1132 New Britain Ave West Hartford, CT 06110-2421 (833) 432-1457 frontdesk@elmwooddentalllc.com Follow UsClick here to schedule your cleaning |