Oral cancer detection with regular dental screenings
Oral cancer, otherwise known as mouth cancer, is a form of cancer that develops anywhere in the mouth and throat. Like any other cancer, it can spread and become deadly. Fortunately, Dr. Beth Skovron and her team at Heritage Dental in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania, offer oral cancer screenings to monitor for changes in the smile that may indicate cancerous cells.
What is oral cancer?
Dr. Skovron describes oral cancer as cancer that affects any area of the mouth and throat, including the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, palate, and tonsils. It is a form of cancer that can spread quickly if not treated.
What are the signs of mouth cancer?
Knowing the signs and symptoms is one way to keep an eye on any early indications that cancer is present, which can be brought to the attention of your dental team.
Symptoms include:
- Persistent sores
- Lumps
- Thickening in the mouth and neck area
- Difficulty swallowing
- New growths or cysts in the mouth
If you spot any of these issues, it may be time to consult a professional for an oral cancer screening.
What can I expect during my test and evaluation for oral cancer?
Our team at Heritage Dental starts with cleaning the teeth and gums during one’s routine dental visit. X-rays may also be taken to monitor health underneath the gums where Dr. Skovron cannot physically see. Any issues since your last appointment should be mentioned to our dental team, after which they will evaluate the soft tissues of the mouth and throat to look for any suspicious areas that might require further examination. In some cases, Dr. Skovron may take a small sample, called a biopsy, to be sent to a laboratory for testing to determine if cancerous cells are present. If diagnosed with oral cancer, treatment options are discussed with our team and any specialists who can assist. We also offer an upgraded cancer detection system called ViziLite. The ViziLite oral cancer detection light was engineered to visually identify abnormalities in the early stages of cancer, lesions, as well as other abnormal tissue formations that may occur. This quick detection procedure provides a fast and effective approach to detecting epithelial dysplasia, even in its earliest stages.
Schedule an oral cancer screening today!
Early detection of oral cancer significantly increases one’s chance of survival. If you are located in Montgomeryville, PA, and want to speak to Dr. Beth Skovron and her team at Heritage Dental about undergoing a screening, call the office at (215) 792-2227. Our professional team is conveniently located at 595 Bethlehem Pike, Suite #302, and is open to new families and patients at our state-of-the-art dental facility.