The purpose of oral cancer screening is to identify signs of mouth cancer as early as possible.
Cancer is a disease that no one wants to think about getting, but it’s quite common. In many cases, early detection of cancer is essential to the potential to provide successful treatment. This is the case with oral cancer, which is cancer of any of the tissue in your mouth. The only way to know when abnormal cancerous cells develop in your mouth is to undergo regular oral cancer screenings. Here in Clemmons, North Carolina, you can rely on our team at the office of Paul D. Nifong, Jr., DDS to provide oral cancer screening services and help you maintain the health of your mouth.
The purpose of oral cancer screening is to identify signs of mouth cancer as early as possible. By locating mouth cancer early, a medical professional is more likely to be able to offer treatment options that can treat the disease. If oral cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it becomes much more difficult to remove and treat. People with certain habits or lifestyle factors are at a higher risk of contracting mouth cancer, including those who use tobacco in any form, engage in heavy alcohol use, or have a history of significant sun exposure.
Oral cancer diagnoses are rising, and the ability to get treated depends on the stage the cancer is at when it is found in the body. Being regularly screened for oral cancer can reduce the risk of late-stage cancer and help you know whether you are dealing with cancerous or precancerous cells or lesions in your mouth.