Oral Cancer Screenings
Dentist in Savannah, GA
We emphasize the importance of providing oral cancer screenings to his patients. Our dental team is certified to detect and properly diagnose oral cancer. By detecting any abnormalities in your oral health early, we will help you get the treatment you need to either reduce or eliminate the risk of developing a more serious oral health condition.
Our Savannah dental team will perform an examination of your mouth during a routine dental visit to screen for oral cancer. Additional tests may be performed to aid in identifying areas of abnormal cells in your mouth.
Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, can be found on the lips, tongue, gums, inner lining of the mouth, jaw, or upper throat area. Early diagnosis is extremely important. There are a number of oral cancer symptoms that start to appear in early stages, including:
- Unexplained bleeding in your mouth
- Lumps or swellings in or around your mouth
- Problem or pain with swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
- A mouth sore that won’t heal within two weeks
- White or red patches in your mouth
- Ear pain
- Dramatic weight loss
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
- Throat soreness or feeling that something is caught in the back of the throat
If you show any symptoms that last for more than a week and show no signs of regressing, schedule an appointment with our Savannah dentist immediately.
Oral cancer can happen to anyone but is most often developed by men. Those who smoke cigarettes, cigars, or pipes are six times more likely than nonsmokers to develop oral cancer, as are users of dip, snuff, or chewing tobacco. Oral cancer can also occur in those who consume alcoholic drinks heavily, those who are exposed excessively to the sun, and those who have genetically higher risk. However, it is important to note that anyone can get oral cancer.
Treatment success depends on the size, type, and stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis. In most cases, small cancerous tumors are removed, along with a small ring of healthy tissue from the surrounding area. Radiation or chemotherapy may be used to kill off any remaining cancerous cells.
Our Savannah dentist provides comprehensive, high quality dental care for families including oral cancer screenings. We make sure to understand your concerns and answer your questions regarding diagnosis or treatment for oral health issues, including oral cancer.
Contact our dental office for more information on oral cancer screenings or for a consultation.
