Cleanings & Prevention
Oral Cancer Exam
Early detection and treatment of oral cancer significantly increases the chance for successful treatment. The American Cancer Society reports that more than 7,000 deaths result from oral cancer out of the 30,000 annually diagnosed cases. How many of these deaths could have been avoided with an oral cancer exam and early detection? Oral cancer often doesn’t manifest with the usual signs of cancer, so without a professional screening, it can go undetected until it’s in an advanced stage.
Dr. Buttaro's painless and non-invasive exam can identify oral cancer in its earliest development, along with suspicious-looking areas. Suspected pre-cancerous areas can be monitored for any change before it becomes too advanced.
First, your neck and lymph nodes are checked for lumps or signs of swelling. Next, a laser can be used to visually reveal abnormalities within your mouth that might be cancerous. If an area is suspected to be cancerous, Dr. Buttaro will then suggest a biopsy.
Oral cancer can be found in the lips, gums, tongue, salivary glands, throat and face. Indicators of cancer can include:
- Leukoplakia – grey or white hardened lesions inside the mouth
- Lumps – lumps or soreness anywhere inside the mouth or throat
- Discolored patches – patches of red or white on the tongue or floor of the mouth that aren’t healing or sores that bleed easily.
Those who smoke or consume large amounts of alcohol have an increased risk of oral cancer and should not avoid cancer screenings. Annual oral cancer exams are crucial to early diagnosis of cancer to increase the opportunity for a successful recovery. Let Dr. Buttaro help detect oral cancer early.
