Protect your health with oral cancer screenings in Prescott, WI
Oral cancer is a serious, life-threatening disease that affects thousands of patients each year in the US. While advances in treatments have improved patient prognosis immensely, catching it early improves your treatment options, and in many cases, it can save your life. Dr. Jay offers oral cancer screenings to patients in Prescott, WI, as well as nearby cities such as Ellsworth, River Falls, and Hastings, MN.
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Symptoms and risk factors for oral cancer
There are many types of oral cancers, and common causes involve diet, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption. Most patients diagnosed with oral cancer are over 40, but there are many factors, such as genetics and HPV viruses, that can cause cancer in patients of all ages, regardless of their habits.
The early symptoms of oral cancer often go unnoticed. However, some patients may notice white or red lesions in their mouth or persistent sores spots. Oral cancer can also cause loose teeth, pain in your mouth or ear, and difficulty swallowing. A dentist has the education and experience to recognize abnormalities in the mouth associated with cancer, and it is crucial to maintain regular checkups to catch cancer in the earliest stages.
Cancer screening during routine checkups
At Scenic Bluffs Dental, we offer oral cancer screenings to every patient as part of our routine checkups. During your appointment, Dr. Jay will check your lips, gums, and throat for sores or discolored tissue, and he will check your jaw and throat for lumps and other irregularities. If Dr. Jay finds signs of cancer in your mouth, he will refer you for additional testing.
Your dental x-rays can also show signs of cancer in your bone and help your doctor determine what stage your cancer is in if you test positive for abnormal cells. Treatment for oral cancer will vary from patient to patient. You may need surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy to remove cancerous cells. The sooner you catch it, the more treatment options you will have. Contact our office in Prescott, WI, today at (715) 953-0499 to schedule an appointment, and make your oral health a priority.
