Oral Cancer Screenings in American Fork
Oral cancer affects over 53,000 Americans every year, but early detection can lead to a positive outcome. Our dental office provides oral cancer screenings with every visit to ensure a long and healthy life. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us online or via telephone.
What is oral cancer?
Oral cancer is cancer of the mouth area, also known as the oral cavity. It can include cancer of the sinuses, mouth floor, lips, cheeks, throat, sinuses, tongue, and/or hard and soft palate.
Oral Cancer Screenings Near Me, American Fork
Oral cancer screenings are provided to help detect oral cancer. During the exam, we examine your mouth for sores and white or red patches. Your team will then feel your oral tissues for lumps or other abnormalities. Lastly, they'll examine your neck and throat for lumps. If your team spots any oral cancer symptoms, they'll arrange a follow-up appointment, at which time they will check to see if the abnormality has grown or changed or if it remains the same. A biopsy is performed if they discover anything. A biopsy involves removing cells from the affected area and sending them to the lab for testing.
The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer screenings are performed to detect oral cancer. During the exam, the team checks your mouth for sores or red or white patches. They then palpate your oral tissues to ensure they don’t discover any lumps or other defects. After that, they examine your neck and throat for lumps. If the team detects oral cancer, they will schedule you for a follow-up appointment to see if the lesion or other abnormality has grown, changed, or remains the same. If it has, they will perform a biopsy. During this procedure, your team will take a test sample from the infected area and send it to the lab.