Every time you come to our office, we’re going to conduct a visual and manual oral cancer screening. Some patients have asked in the past why we do this, and the answer is simple: These screenings can save your life.
FACT: Oral cancer screenings are vital to your health because we can treat the disease if we catch it in its earliest developmental stages, and about 84 percent of cases are detected by dentists.
When Dr. Hollingsworth checks your mouth during a screening, she’s backed by years of experience and education and knows exactly what to look for. She’ll be checking you for:
- Red or white sores or patches in your mouth
- Any lumps or abnormalities in your tissues around your mouth
- Spots that bleed regularly and seem like they never heal
- Painful areas when you bite or chew
If you have questions about our oral cancer screenings or think you’re at risk for developing the disease, please don’t hesitate to talk to us. Remember, the earlier we detect any issues, the better your chances of getting rid of them for good.