What is an Oral Cancer Screening, and how does it help in prevention and detection?
Oral cancer is just as serious as any cancer in the human body. According to the American Cancer Society, the risk of developing oral cancer is approximately 1 out of 60 for men and 1 out of 141 for women. This makes monitoring for signs of oral cancer more critical, and having regular oral cancer screenings with our team in Aztec, New Mexico, at Aztec Family Dental is important.
What is an oral cancer screening?
An oral cancer screening is a routine evaluation performed at our office to help detect different types of oral cancer that can develop in the mouth. Oral cancer is like any other cancer. It can grow, spread, and be deadly if not diagnosed and treated.
What are the signs of oral cancer?
Oral cancer may present itself in many different ways. Common signs and symptoms include sores, lumps, or thick patches in the mouth that do not go away. It is also possible to have a feeling of something caught in your throat, difficulty swallowing or speaking, hoarseness, unexplained bleeding in the mouth, and ear pain. If you notice any of these changes, it is time to connect with Aztec Family Dental for screening and evaluation.
How often should I have oral cancer screenings performed?
Our team is committed to ensuring patients have healthy, beautiful smiles. As part of our routine checkups, we conduct an oral cancer screening. This screening can help detect different types of cancer that can develop and should be done at every recall appointment. However, if any signs of new growth or unusual changes in the mouth might warrant a screening, one might be done between regular recall visits.
How do I learn more about oral cancer screening services?
Aztec, New Mexico area patients ready to have a screening performed to be proactive in preventing oral cancer and caching it in the earliest stages are encouraged to book an appointment with Dr. James Durfey and his team at Aztec Family Dental by calling (505) 390-1117. Our facility is located at 503 South Main Avenue and accepts patients in the surrounding cities of Bloomfield, Farmington, Gallup, and Flora Vista, New Mexico.