Oral Cancer Screenings in Turlock, CA

While oral cancer doesn’t get the same attention as other cancers, it can be just as deadly. Any part of the oral cavity or mouth can develop cancer, including the roof or floor of the mouth, tongue, lips, cheeks, throat, and sinuses. As with other forms of the disease, mouth cancer robs Canadians of their lives. But early diagnosis and treatment can go a long way toward survival. Therefore, you need to take control of your health overall. To start, come to Healthy Smile Dental for routine exams and mouth oral cancer screenings near you.

Signs of Oral Cancer

Your dentist in Turlock, CA, has the training and experience to detect early signs of cancer. In some cases, symptoms are caused by less severe conditions. But it is always better to rule out any possibility of cancers. Some of the signs we see most often include:

• A bleeding sore that won’t heal
• A rough area, thickening or lump
• Numbness, pain, or tenderness in the oral cavity or on the lips
• Problems speaking, chewing, swallowing, or shifting your tongue or jaw
• White or red sores or spots anywhere in or around the mouth

Contact the Healthy Smile Dental right away if you are experiencing any of these conditions.

Mouth Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

The quick, simple screening involves a thorough examination of the entire oral cavity. Besides a visual inspection, Dr. Harpreet Brar will also feel the soft tissues for anything abnormal. If we uncover a suspicious area, the next step is a brush test to collect questionable cells. This specimen is then sent to an outside lab for analysis. If we receive a positive result, your Turlock, CA, dentist will perform a biopsy.

Standard treatment options in the beginning stages are radiation or surgery. If the condition is allowed to advance, we will likely use both radiation and surgery. In the late stages, radiation with chemotherapy is a common approach. Sometimes these treatments are also combined with surgery.

Prevention is the Ultimate Goal

Like with any disease, the best treatment is prevention. There are steps you can take every day to minimize the risk, such as:

• Avoid tobacco use of any kind.
• Eat a balanced, healthy diet.
• Keep sun exposure to a low level, and always wear sunblock. Don’t neglect your lips! It is essential to use protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Limit alcohol consumption.