Oral Cancer Screenings – Mesquite, TX
Saving Lives One Screening at a Time
Did you know that on average one person dies every hour of every day from oral cancer? It’s projected that 53,000 people will be newly diagnosed in the United States this year, and only a little over half of them will survive to the five-year mark. Why is oral cancer so deadly? It is often found during later stages of development, when it is much more difficult to treat and overcome. That’s why we at TrueCare Dentistry perform an oral cancer screening at your regular checkup appointments twice a year.
Why Choose TrueCare for Oral Cancer Screenings?
- Experienced, compassionate team that can help spot the first signs of oral cancer
- Intraoral camera technology that allows you to see what we see
- Wide range of dental care under one roof
Why is having a regular oral cancer screening important?
As with many other cancers, your odds of surviving oral cancer dramatically increase the earlier you are diagnosed and receive necessary treatment. In fact, those who get treatment for oral cancer early have up to a 90 percent success rate. That’s why we include this crucial screening in your dental checkup twice a year. The oral cancer screening we perform could make a significant difference in your health in the long run and is certainly worth the extra few minutes during your checkup.
What are the signs and symptoms of oral cancer?
Oral cancer can rear its ugly head in many ways, some of which are difficult to identity for the untrained eye. Examples of symptoms include the following:
- Red, white, or speckled patches of tissue.
- Patches of thickened tissue.
- Lumps or bumps in the gums, lips, cheek tissue, tongue, or neck.
- Unexplained numbness in the face or throat.
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing.
- Sores that have not healed after two weeks.
What happens during an oral cancer screening?
We make oral cancer screenings quick and painless for you. We start by asking you about any changes in your medical history or unusual symptoms you may be experiencing. We visually inspect the inside of your mouth for any of the signs of oral cancer. We may also use gauze to gently hold and move your tongue so that we can have a clearer view of the back portions of your mouth, where these early signs can occur. Then, we gently feel around your throat and neck for any abnormal lumps or bumps. If we find something potentially concerning, we will refer you to a doctor to get a biopsy and additional testing.
At TrueCare Dentistry, we are committed to helping you maintain a happy, healthy smile. Oral cancer screenings are one way we do just that. Come see the difference our compassionate team can make for your oral health by scheduling an appointment with us today!