Oral Cancer Screening

It’s important to check for signs and symptoms of cancer frequently to ensure health complications don’t develop later in life. OneSource Dental of South Tampa, in Tampa, Florida, offers oral cancer screening to promote optimal health. Call the dental experts today to schedule an appointment or book online through the reservation portal. 

What is oral cancer screening?

One of the best ways to beat cancer is to identify it early while it’s still easily treatable. More than 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer annually. Oral cancer screening includes checking for any sign of specific cancers related to the mouth, jaw, and tongue.

What kind of services does oral cancer screening include?

You can expect a few steps during the screening process. The specialists typically start with a visual exam to check for abnormalities. They’ll look for lesions, thick white patches called leukoplakia, and abnormal red patches. 

The experts also look for lumps on the face, neck, and jaw through physical touch. If they find a bump they’ll ask you if it’s tender.

Other common screening tactics may include the use of dye to help identify potentially cancerous tissues and special lights that highlight abnormal tissue.

Why do I need oral cancer screening?

Many risk factors contribute to the development of life-threatening oral cancers.

Tobacco is one of the largest contributors to an increased risk of oral cancer. This includes cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and pipes. Drinking large quantities of alcohol also increases your likelihood of developing cancer. Too much sun exposure may also increase your risk for cancerous tumors on the face and mouth.

If you’ve received a previous cancer diagnosis, it’s especially important to receive frequent screening services. Previous cancer increases the likelihood that you may develop it again. 

What happens after oral cancer screening?

If you show no signs of oral cancer, your dentist will provide useful information on how to reduce cancer risk. If you show some concerning symptoms, there are a few steps the experts will take.

They’ll refer you to a cancer specialist for a biopsy to confirm a potential cancer diagnosis. Oral cancer screening doesn’t detect all forms of oral cancers, so receiving a referral from your dentist is a vital step in your health care journey.

Your OneSource Dental of South Tampa dentist may also recommend you schedule subsequent office visits to monitor the development of any detected lesions or sores. 

Let the experts screen you for oral cancer today by calling the Tampa, Florida, office or booking through the online reservation portal.