Oral Cancer Screening

At Rachna Pall DDS, we take a holistic approach to your dental care, which includes an oral cancer screening as a part of your regular exam. Like many kinds of cancer, oral cancer can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.

We have the skills and tools to ensure that early signs and symptoms of oral cancer and pre-cancerous conditions are identified. While these symptoms may be caused by other, less serious problems, it is very important to visit our office to rule out the possibility of oral cancer. The most common symptoms of oral cancer include:

● Red or white spots or sores anywhere in the oral cavity
● A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
● A lump, thickening, or rough spot
● Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
● Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
There are many things you can do to help prevent oral cancer:
● The best way to prevent oral cancer is to avoid all tobacco products and only drink alcohol in moderation.
● Maintain a healthy, balanced diet.
● Limit your exposure to the sun and always wear UV-A/B-blocking, sun-protective lotions on your skin as well as your lips.
● During your next dental appointment, ask your dentist to perform an oral exam. Early detection of oral cancer can improve the chance of successful treatment.

We look for any abnormal growth in the mouth. Intentl of oral cancer screening is to identify any cancer growth early, when there is a greater chance for a cure.

oralcncer-screening

FAQ’sQUESTIONS & ANSWERS

What is Oral Cancer Screening and Why is it done?

Oral cancer screening is an examination performed to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in the mouth. At Rachna Pall DDS, we always do an oral examination during your routine exam visit. We look for any abnormal growth in the mouth. Intentl of oral cancer screening is to identify any cancer growth early, when there is a greater chance for a cure.

What kind of people are at higher risk for Oral Cancer?

People with a high risk of oral cancer may be more likely to benefit from oral cancer screening, though studies haven’t clearly proved that. Factors that can increase the risk of oral cancer include.

Tobacco use of any kind, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and snuff, among others
Heavy alcohol use
Previous oral cancer diagnosis
History of significant sun exposure, which increases the risk of lip cancer.

The number of people diagnosed with mouth and throat cancers has been rising over the last several years.

What you can expect from an Oral Screening test?

You may be surprised at just how simple an oral cancer screening is. It is a fast and painless examination, performed by Dr. Rachna Pall. During an oral cancer screening exam, your dentist looks over the inside of your mouth to check for lumps, abnormal tissue growth, red or white patches or mouth sores, numbness. The dentist may also examine your throat and neck for lumps.