Oral Cancer Exam
What is an oral cancer exam?
Oral cancer screening is a routine examination performed by a dental health professional to screen and identify cancers found in the mouth. Periodontists are the most familiar with determining the state of health or disease within the oral cavity, making these specialists the natural choice in the battle against oral cancer.
If suspect conditions are detected, Dr. Donald Steinberg uses the latest in oral health technology to provide potentially life-saving diagnoses and offer more treatment options. DFW Implant Team does accept referrals for oral cancer screening examinations from primary dentists. However, a referral is not necessary. If it has been longer than 1 year since your last oral cancer screening, call our office today to schedule your appointment for an oral cancer exam.
How is an oral cancer screening performed?
We will begin your oral cancer screening with a clinical or visual examination. When necessary, enhanced examinations using varied wavelengths of light, X-rays, or tissue biopsies to assist Dr. Steinberg in the diagnosis. Enhanced examinations enable our periodontist to identify changes in the tissues at the cellular level, well before the changes can be seen with the naked eye.
Detection of pathologies in the earliest stages will have a significant possibility of successful treatment, and a full recovery may be expected. Waiting until you are able to visualize a change in your own tissues, or waiting until you experience pain may be a decision that decreases your chances of a favorable outcome. In fact, many cancers are never visible during a self-examination, and do not result in pain until the very latest stages.
How often should I have an oral cancer exam?
At DFW Implant Team, we believe in a proactive approach to oral and dental health care. Oral cancer affects millions of patients each year, and statistics show that 25% of these patients are not considered high-risk, have no history of cancer, and/or have no indications of the typical predisposing cancer factors. Making the decision to request an oral cancer screening, even if you are a healthy, non-smoker with no prior history of cancer, is a choice that can save your life. Patients over the age of 18 should receive an oral cancer examination at least once a year. Patients who notice an abnormality, such as a lesion in their mouth, should see a dentist as soon as possible.