Oral Cancer Screening in Gilbert
What is Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screening is a preventative measure aimed at early detection of cancerous or precancerous conditions in the mouth. This simple, non-invasive procedure is performed by Dr. Sahil Arora and Dr. Shana Vohra at Oasis Family Dentistry and Orthodontics in Gilbert, AZ. The main goal of oral cancer screening is to identify mouth cancer early when there's a greater chance for a cure. It involves a comprehensive examination of your mouth to check for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions. It includes visually inspecting your lips, face, neck, inside of the nose, and oral cavity.
The Oral Cancer Screening Treatment Process
Oral cancer screening is a quick and painless process. It involves a thorough visual and physical examination of the entire oral cavity and associated structures to detect any abnormalities that could indicate the presence of cancer or precancerous conditions.
Visual Examination
The initial step of the oral cancer screening process involves a comprehensive visual examination. The dentist will examine your face, neck, lips, inside of your nose, and oral cavity. During this visual check, the dentist is looking for any asymmetries, discolorations, or abnormalities. Special tools may be used to inspect areas that are not easily visible, such as the back of your mouth and throat.
Physical Examination
Following the visual examination, the dentist will physically examine your head and neck, probing for any unusual lumps or abnormalities. They will also feel the tissues in your mouth to check for any signs of cancer, such as lumps or other abnormalities. You may be asked to swallow during this part of the examination to assist in the detection of any irregularities.
Additional Testing
If any abnormalities are detected during the visual or physical examination, additional tests may be recommended. These could include a biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is taken for laboratory testing, or advanced imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI.
The Benefits Of Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screening comes with numerous benefits. It's a proactive approach to your oral health that can help detect oral cancer at an early stage, where it's more likely to be treated successfully.
Early Detection
The primary benefit of oral cancer screening is the potential for early detection. Oral cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages, making it difficult to detect without a screening. Early detection greatly improves the prognosis and increases the chances of successful treatment.
Peace of Mind
Oral cancer screening provides peace of mind. Knowing that you have taken a proactive step towards safeguarding your health can alleviate worries about oral cancer. Even if the screening does not find any signs of cancer, it helps ensure that you are maintaining good oral health.
It's Quick and Painless
The oral cancer screening process is quick and painless. It can be performed during your regular dental check-up, with no additional appointments necessary. This makes it a convenient addition to your routine oral health care, offering significant benefits with minimal disruption to your day.
