Oral Cancer Screening When you have a dental cleaning at our office, you will also receive a basic routine exam from our dentist after the cleaning. As part of this routine exam, we provide an oral cancer screening. This is a basic visual exam designed to detect any warning signs of oral cancer. This is a fairly common disease, and it can affect various parts of your oral cavity, face, and neck. Should any concerns be noted, our dentist at Monroe Smiles may suggest follow-up testing. There are several common types of follow-up tests available, and the chosen test depends on the specific concerns.Oral Cancer Symptoms and Risk FactorsOral cancer can refer to a few different types of cancer that affect the head and neck. These areas include the larynx, pharynx, and various components of the oral cavity. This disease can present with many different symptoms, such as swelling, pain, sores, growths, joint mobility loss, voice changes, weight loss or a change in appetite, and bad breath. These symptoms can mimic other dental conditions, which is why the screening is important. The risk of developing oral cancer increases as you get older, but it can affect patients of any age. Some risk factors include genetics, alcohol or tobacco use, high ultraviolet light exposure, poor nutrition, and a compromised immune system. Oral cancer is twice as likely to occur in males as it is in females. Oral Cancer ScreeningAt Monroe Smiles we recommend an annual oral cancer screening, called Velscope, for all patients 18 and older. The screening is performed during a regular cleaning/exam and uses a fluorescent light that reflects differently off abnormal and normal tissue. If any abnormalities are detected, your dentist may recommend further testing. For additional information on oral cancer screening, call (360) 467-6386 today. |
Contact Information14650 N. Kelsey St. Ste. 104-105 Monroe, WA 98272-1456 (360) 467-6386 drj@jljdds.com Office HoursMonday - Friday: 7:00am-6:00pm Follow Us |
