Protect Your Oral Health
We truly care about our patients, and one of the most simple yet important things we can do for you is to screen for oral cancer. This can be done at your regular biannual check-ups and adds little time to your visit. It’s completely painless and could save your life.
How We Test for Oral Cancer
An oral cancer screening only takes a few minutes and consists of a brief external and internal examination. First, our doctor will ask you a few questions about your mouth, neck, and jaw, including if you are experiencing any pain or discomfort.
For the external exam, the doctor will feel around your jaw and neck to check for any irregularities. Then, during the internal examination, he or she will check for any suspicious sores or other warning signs in your mouth.
Is Oral Cancer Treatable?
When caught early, oral cancer is very treatable. In fact, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation, when caught in the early stages, patients have an 80 to 90 percent survival rate. If we detect any signs of oral cancer, we’ll refer you to your primary physician for a more extensive checkup. They will take further tests to pinpoint the exact issue.
Signs You Should Get a Screening
If you are 40 years of age or older, you may be at an increased risk for oral cancer. Additionally, if you chew any tobacco products, it’s vital that you get regular cancer screenings.
Some of the warning signs of oral cancer include sores in the mouth that don’t heal, difficulty with chewing and swallowing, and white or red patches in your mouth. Many times, early symptoms go unnoticed so it’s vital that you get regular screenings.
Get Your Screening Today
Getting screened for oral cancer is quick, easy, and can be done during your regular biannual checkups. Early detection is vital so there is no reason to put it off. If you notice any symptoms of oral cancer or if you haven’t been screened recently, schedule your next visit with Dr. Curtin.
