Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Preventive treatment is your first defense against many oral conditions, most notably, oral cancer. Many symptoms can be indicators of such cancer, but most people aren’t trained to know what they are, or what to do if they’re spotted.
Our Albany dentist, Dr. Santhosh Thomas, performs oral cancer screenings at your routine dental cleaning and exam appointments. During your biannual visit, your dentist will discuss your health history and examine your mouth for signs of oral cancer along with cleaning your teeth. Regular visits to our Albany, NY dental office can ensure any warning signs can be spotted and treated immediately.
The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings
It’s important to identify potential signs of oral cancer at its earliest stage for more effective treatment. Luckily, the oral cancer screening process is quick and easy with Dr. Santhosh Thomas.
Screening for cancer is vital to catching disease in its infancy, often before symptoms have developed. When cancer is caught early on, it can increase your chances of successful treatment and healing. During your oral exam, Dr. Thomas will examine your oral cavity and check for any abnormalities or possible signs of oral cancer. He’ll first look in the inside of your mouth for red or white patches or sores. Next, he’ll feel the inside of your mouth to check for abnormalities like lumps and examine your throat and neck.
If any signs are detected, Dr. Thomas will take a sample of the tissue, if possible, and have it tested. If taking a sample isn’t possible, he’ll have you referred to an oncologist or another specialist for further evaluation or treatment.
Symptoms of Mouth or Throat Cancer
You should schedule an appointment at our Albany, NY dental office if you’re experiencing any of the following:
- Sores that bleed easily or don’t heal
- A thick or hard spot or lump
- Roughened or crusted area in your mouth
- Numbness, pain, or tenderness
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down
Tell your dentist about any problems you notice having when chewing, swallowing, speaking, or moving your tongue or jaw. At Western Dental Care in Albany, NY, our dentist will conduct a thorough oral cancer screening during your comprehensive exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your dentist spots signs or symptoms of oral cancer, he’ll take a sample of the tissue, if possible, and have it tested. If taking a sample isn’t possible, he’ll have you referred to an oncologist or another specialist for further evaluation and/or treatment.
A few risks are associated with getting oral cancer screenings, but they’re minimal. You may end up receiving a false positive, in which case more testing is needed to determine the presence of cancer. Cancer screenings also cannot detect every form of cancer, so it’s possible a screening may miss a small lesion or some cells.
An oral cancer screening requires no special preparation. Dr. Thomas will perform your cancer screening during your biannual visit which includes a dental cleaning and checkup. He’ll also provide you with instructions on how to lower your chances of cancer based on your medical history.