Assessments for oral cancer throughout a scheduled dental visit might help uncover a cancer in its early stages and just might save your life. Oral cancer means there is an unrestrained cell development inside the mouth and pharynx. Some of the various signs of oral cancer are a white or red stained patch or lump around the mouth, sores that bleed when touched or sores that take a really long time to mend, a site that has become hardened, thickened, or raised, a coarse tissue patch, swallowing or chewing complications, or a constant sore throat.
The cancer test can be carried out anytime you come for a session and make certain to inform us of any warning signs you may have experienced as early detection is the key to fighting any cancer. Please do not disregard any of the above stated warning signs as these indicators are not producing any pain. Often cancerous or pre-cancerous lesions will be painfree.
The first stage in the screening process is to utilize a cancer screener to help diagnose and find irregular tissues. By means of a VelScope light, we can investigate certain sections of the mouth searching for abnormalities. If any lesions are found, the dentist may eliminate a piece (in house biopsy) to determine if the lesion is pre-cancerous or cancerous.
