Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer screenings in Canton, GA are a preventive dental service that saves lives. Dr. Merrick Dameron and Dr. Laura Dameron are in a unique position to spot troubling symptoms that you may not be able to see. We include oral cancer screenings as part of the biannual cleaning and exam.
Understanding Oral Cancer
Oral cancer encompasses three major types, which are jaw cancer, mouth cancer, and tongue cancer. Since the symptoms appear inside your mouth, the doctors make it a point to inspect each of the areas listed below:
- Floor and roof of the mouth
- Lining of the cheeks
- Lips
- Tonsils
- Top and bottom of the tongue
- Upper and lower gums
Each year, 57,000 Americans learn that they have oral cancer. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the five-year survival rate for oral cancer is 57 percent. Sadly, that means 43 percent of people with this disease die within five years of diagnosis.
What to Expect During Your Oral Cancer Screening
Dr. Merrick Dameron or Dr. Laura Dameron start the screening with a visual examination. If either notices lesions, thick white patches, or dark red areas in your mouth, the next step is to feel for lumps or bumps with gloved hands. The areas they feel for these abnormalities include the face, jaws, and neck. If they see or spot a symptom of oral cancer, they will refer you to a specialist for a secondary opinion and possible biopsy.
How can I prevent oral cancer?
To help prevent oral cancer, abstain from using all forms of tobacco, and avoid excessive sun exposure and alcohol consumption. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all preteen boy and girls ages 11 to 12 should be vaccinated for HPV, which may aid in reducing the risk of oral cancer. The vaccines also are recommended for males and females ages 13 to 26 if they haven’t received them already. Because successful treatment and rehabilitation of oral cancer are dependent upon early detection, it is extremely important to regularly check your mouth for any changes and to maintain regular dental visits, at least every six months.
Oral cancer screenings are a preventive dental service that saves lives. Dr. Merrick and Dr. Laura are able to spot troubling symptoms that you may not be able to see. We include oral cancer screenings as part of your biannual cleaning and exam.
