Protect Your Health with Oral Cancer Screening
Early detection is key to fighting oral cancer. Schedule your oral cancer screening today at Clinton Dental for a healthier future.
What is Oral Cancer?
Benefits of Oral Cancer Screening
- Early Detection: Catching oral cancer in its early stages significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
- Less Invasive Treatment: Early detection often allows for simpler, less invasive treatment options.
- Higher Survival Rate: Early intervention increases the likelihood of survival, as treatments can be less aggressive.
- Peace of Mind: Regular screenings provide reassurance that you’re taking proactive steps toward maintaining your health.
- Comprehensive Care: Screening is part of our routine dental checkups, ensuring that your oral health is monitored holistically.
What to Expect During Your Oral Cancer Screening
- Visual Examination: Examine your lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, and throat for any abnormalities.
- Palpation: Feel the tissues in your mouth and neck to check for lumps or bumps.
- Medical History Review: Discuss any risk factors you may have for oral cancer, such as tobacco use or alcohol consumption.
- Additional Tests (if needed):
- Oral Brush Biopsy: A sample of tissue may be taken from a suspicious area for laboratory analysis.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays or scans may be used if necessary to assess the extent of any abnormalities.
- Oral Brush Biopsy: A sample of tissue may be taken from a suspicious area for laboratory analysis.
Cost of Oral Cancer Screening
and whether additional tests, such as a biopsy or imaging, are required. At Clinton Dental, we strive to keep the procedure affordable, often including it as part of your regular dental checkup.
When comparing costs, ensure you check if additional procedures are included in the price and if the clinic offers the necessary diagnostic tools, like biopsy or imaging, to ensure a comprehensive screening. Alternative offerings may involve separate consultations or tests that could increase the overall cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Oral cancer screening is a routine checkup to detect early signs of oral cancer. It includes a visual inspection of the mouth, throat, and neck, as well as a physical examination to check for lumps or abnormal tissue.
It’s recommended to undergo oral cancer screenings as part of your regular dental checkups. For those at higher risk, such as smokers or heavy alcohol users, more frequent screenings may be necessary.
No, oral cancer screening is generally painless. It involves a visual and physical examination, and if additional tests are required, such as a biopsy, they are typically quick and minimally invasive.
Key risk factors include tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, HPV infection, sun exposure to the lips, a poor diet, and a weakened immune system.
If you notice any unusual changes in your mouth, such as persistent sores, lumps, or difficulty swallowing, schedule an appointment immediately for further evaluation and screening.
