At Dieterlen Dental in Tulsa, OK, we take your oral health seriously. As part of our commitment to comprehensive dental care, we offer oral cancer screenings to detect early signs of oral cancer and precancerous lesions like leukoplakia or erythroplakia. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and recovery for mouth cancer or oral cavity cancer.
Oral cancer is often curable when detected and treated early. Regular oral cancer screenings, a type of cancer screening test, can identify precancerous lesions or early-stage cancers, improving treatment outcomes significantly.
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Risk Reduction
Screenings can identify risk factors for oral cancer, allowing you to make lifestyle changes and reduce your chances of developing this disease.
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Peace of Mind
Knowing your oral health status and receiving timely screenings can provide peace of mind and allow for early intervention if necessary.
Who Should Get an Oral Cancer Screening?
We recommend oral cancer screenings for everyone, especially those at higher risk, including:
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Tobacco Users
Smoking or using smokeless tobacco significantly increases the risk of oral cancer.
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Heavy Alcohol Users
Excessive alcohol consumption is another major risk factor for oral cancer.
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Individuals with a History of Oral Cancer
People who have had oral cancer in the past are at higher risk for recurrence.
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People with HPV
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly certain strains, is linked to an increased risk of oral cancer.
Our experienced dentists will perform a thorough oral examination as part of your oral cancer screening:
1. Visual Examination: We’ll carefully examine your mouth, lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, and throat for any abnormalities, such as sores, white or red patches, or lumps, which could be potential oral cancer symptoms.
2. Palpation: We’ll feel the tissues in your mouth and neck for any lumps, bumps, or other signs of abnormality.
3. Discussion of Risk Factors: We’ll discuss your medical history, lifestyle habits, and any risk factors you may have for oral cancer.