What is Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screenings help detect oral abnormalities early. This procedure will be completed by Dr. Mays and can help identify precancerous, or cancerous abnormalities before they worsen. This can save the structures of your mouth from deterioration due to cancer and can save your life. Thousands of people die annually due to oral cancer. A simple oral cancer screening can be a factor in preventing this.
What will happen during my oral cancer screening?
Dr. Mays will thoroughly inspect your entire mouth, looking closely for any abnormalities. Early detection is the key to fighting oral cancers, so she will take her time and be as thorough as possible. During this inspection, Dr. Mays will use a VELscope to help her complete the screening, which is an oral screening device. With the use of the VELscope, Dr. Mays will be able to detect minute abnormalities, which could be a defining factor when diagnosing precancerous or cancerous cells.
What are some symptoms of oral cancer?
A range of symptoms can point to oral cancer. Some symptoms include the following:
- Sores that don’t heal
- Lumps on the lips, mouth, or throat
- White or red patches on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth
- Unusual bleeding
- Sore throat
- Difficulty or pain while chewing
- Swelling of the neck or throat
Though these symptoms can point to cancerous or precancerous masses of cells, they can also point to many other health issues as well. In order to get an accurate diagnosis, you should visit a professional. Dr. Mays and her team will work tirelessly to ensure your mouth, teeth, throat, and lips are in a healthy condition.
What if I have cancerous or precancerous tissues in my mouth?
Dr. Mays will create a custom plan to proceed with your treatment. She will recommend you to the correct doctors to help build a team for you to provide the best care possible.
Dr. Mays is dedicated to providing comprehensive dental services to all of her patients. To schedule your oral cancer screening today, call 513-321-1102, or contact us at janemaysdmd@gmail.com.
