ORAL CANCER SCREENING in san diego, ca

What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?

An oral cancer screening is a physical examination of the mouth, throat, and tissues around the lips and face. The purpose of the exam is to look for any signs or symptoms that could indicate the presence of oral cancer such as abnormal growths or changes in color inside the mouth, as well as lumps or irregularities in the jaw or neck. If anything suspicious is found, additional tests may be ordered to confirm or rule out the presence of cancer. These tests can include a biopsy, in which a small sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope.

Consequences of Not Getting an Oral Cancer Screening

If you forego regular oral cancer screenings, you increase your risk of developing advanced oral cancer. This can lead to a number of serious complications, including:

• Difficulty speaking and swallowing
• Weight loss
• Jaw pain
• Tooth loss
• Disfigurement
• Spreading to other parts of the body

In addition to the physical consequences, advanced oral cancer can also have a profound impact on your quality of life. It can be difficult to eat and drink, speak, and even breathe. The financial cost of treatment can also be significant. That's why the dentists at our practice recommend that all patients get regular oral cancer screenings.

Are Oral Cancer Screenings Painful?

Getting an oral cancer screening is not painful at all. They typically involve just a visual examination in and around your mouth and perhaps very gently pressure on your jaw and neck as the dentist checks for lumps. If anything suspicious is found, the dentist may order a biopsy to test a tissue sample.

Protect Your Oral Health With Cancer Screenings

At A+ Family Dentistry, your health is our top priority. That's why we are committed to doing everything we can to detect early signs of oral cancer and address them as soon as possible. It's important to us that your teeth and gums are healthy and that we support your overall wellbeing. If you think you are overdue for a cleaning and cancer screening, please contact our office today and we'd be happy to help!