Oral Cancer Screening
When you visit Fioritto Family Dental for your regular examination, cleaning, and x-rays, our trained dentist will administer an oral cancer screening as part of your exam. This is nothing to worry about – we perform this service for every patient as a way to identify early warning signs of oral cancer for your health and safety.
An oral cancer screen may not identify all instances of oral cancers because it is sometimes difficult to spot abnormal cells in early stages of growth. Oral cancer screening is highly recommended to catch oral cancer as early as possible when treatment is likely to be most effective. What does a screening entail and why do the we at Fioritto Family Dental perform this exam?
What is an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is conducted as part of your standard, visual and physical examination when you visit us for your regular cleaning and checkup. We may recommend additional screenings for patients that use tobacco products, have a family history of cancers, or have other risk factors for developing oral cancer.
When our dentists conduct an oral cancer screening, they will examine your lips and oral cavity to look for swelling, bumps, asymmetry, ulcerations, or abnormal cells that could indicate the presence of oral cancer. We may examine your face, jaw, or neck, as well, to identify areas of swelling or tenderness. If you wear any removable oral fixtures, such as dentures, we may ask you to remove them in order to conduct a more thorough screening.
If we find abnormalities, we will discuss the prospect of performing additional testing. We may ask you to return for a follow-up visit a few weeks later to see if abnormalities are still present and if any change or growth has occurred. While you may not feel you need regular oral cancer screenings if your risk factors are negligible, this examination is fairly standard practice and it gives you an opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have about your oral health and your medical history.
Importance of Regular Dental Oral Cancer Screening
It’s important to understand that oral cancer screenings do not prevent the onset of cancer. However, as with most forms of cancer, early detection and treatment offer the best chances to eliminate cancer and prevent cancerous cells from spreading to other areas of the body.
The concerned dental professionals at Fioritto Family Dental are committed to providing the best possible care to every patient, which is why oral cancer screenings are a standard inclusion in regular dental examinations. Contact our office today at 440-951-5511 or online to schedule an appointment and learn more about our services.