Oral Cancer Screening in Greenville, TX
Graham Family Dental in Greenville, TX, performs oral cancer screenings to look for precancerous issues or signs of cancer in your mouth. Early cancer detection is always the best chance for a cure, as cancer or lesions will be easier to remove, and treatment is more likely to be effective.
Cancer is a disease. It occurs when there is an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a specific part of the body. These cells are defined as malignant and cancerous. Oral cancer can occur anywhere in the soft tissues of the mouth (tongue, esophagus, back of the throat, tonsils, salivary glands, or lips).
If you are having your teeth cleaned every six months, Graham Family Dental is looking for any signs of problems during that exam, but if you are at a higher risk of oral cancer, a more in-depth exam may be necessary. You need to talk to Graham Family Dental about an oral screening exam if you:
- Use tobacco (chewing tobacco or smoking)
- Regularly drinking large amounts of alcohol
- Have had oral cancer in the past
- Spend a lot of time in the sun or tanning beds (which increases chances of lip cancer)
An oral screening exam typically takes less than 5 minutes. All removable oral appliances must be taken out. A visual examination is done of the neck, face, lips and oral cavity to identify any abnormalities (swelling, bumps, ulcerations, asymmetry, or patches of color).
Besides looking in the normal areas of the mouth, Graham Family Dental will also palpate the tissues inside and outside the mouth, as well as under the tongue and chin, looking for suspicious lumps or spots. You should call the office immediately if you notice these things on your own. You may also be asked you to rinse your mouth with a blue dye to better see any areas of abnormal cells.
Ask Graham Family Dental if oral cancer screening is appropriate for you and ask about ways to lower your risks (not drinking alcohol and stopping smoking).
If you are at high risk for oral cancer, call Graham Family Dental today to set up an appointment for an oral screening exam.