Oral cancer can be more easily treated when it’s detected early. The best way to detect oral cancer is by getting regular screenings performed by your dentist – these screenings can detect any signs of oral cancer and help you take the right steps for treatment.
What is an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening looks for signs of cancer or precancer in the mouth and surrounding areas. Dr. Du Mond performs oral cancer screenings during your regular dental cleaning – some signs of oral cancer can be detected simply by looking or feeling around the mouth. From there, Dr. Du Mond can help you determine the next steps to ensure you remain healthy.
What are the Benefits of Oral Cancer Screenings?
If you’re at a higher risk of oral cancer, you can greatly benefit from regular screenings. People who are at a higher risk of oral cancer include those who smoke and use tobacco products, those who drink heavily, those with significant sun exposure to their lips, and those who have had a previous oral cancer diagnosis. Even if you’re not at a higher risk of oral cancer, you can still benefit from a screening to detect any issues early.
What Can I Expect From an Oral Cancer Screening?
During an oral cancer screening, Dr. Du Mond will look around the inside of your mouth to check for any unusual areas, lesions, or sores. She will also gently feel the tissues around your mouth, throat, and neck to check for lumps. If anything unusual is detected, she may recommend further tests (such as a biopsy) to determine if any abnormal cells are present.
The Oral Cancer Screening Process and Beyond
It’s often recommended to get an oral cancer screening at your bi-yearly appointment, although Dr. Du Mond may recommend it more frequently if any issues are detected. If she finds any abnormal spots, our team will recommend a specialist and discuss the best ways to go about treatment. With early treatment, the chances of surviving oral cancer are very good, meaning it’s essential to get screened regularly by your dentist.
Oral Cancer Screening in Scottsdale, AZ
To learn more about oral cancer screenings, contact DMD Dental by calling or filling out our online form.