Oral Cancer Screenings in Las Vegas

Oral Cancer Screening Defined

Oral cancer screening is the early examination and testing that is performed in order to attempt to make a determination if a patient has oral cancer. This early-detection screening may include a number of elements including examination of the gums and teeth, x-rays, a review of the patient’s medical history, and possibly a biopsy. Oral cancer screening can potentially detect oral cancer in stages early enough to give a patient the best opportunity to obtain treatment before the cancer spreads, lessening the potential for successful treatment. Absolute Dental utilizes several methods of screening for oral cancer including ViziLite Lumenoscopy, which is a patented and highly specialized detection technique utilizing a light tool that can detect even lesions that have not yet become visible to the naked eye. This system also uses a patented oral dye called TBlue which assists the dentist in marking and closely monitoring potentially affected areas. Absolute Dental prides itself in offering the most cutting-edge early detection techniques available and believes that playing our part in this early detection helps save lives.

What Are the Treatment Methods for Oral Cancer?

The first stage of an oral cancer screening is a basic dental exam. The dentist will check your entire mouth for white patches, a pre-cancerous symptom called Leukoplakia that is the most common visual clue of potential oral cancer. Other symptoms include the following:

• Sores on the lips or other areas of the mouth that will not heal
• Teeth growing progressively looser
• Gums that are inflamed or irritated
• Bleeding gums or blood around your teeth

The dentist will request your medical history for review and will be specifically interested in finding out if you have had symptoms or treatment for cancer of your head or neck. Additionally, they will be looking for potential symptomatic clues like earaches or if you have trouble swallowing. If it is found that the initial exam and testing reveals potential problems, the dentist will usually perform a biopsy and the tissue sample will be sent to a lab for testing. Don’t worry because this procedure is performed in most cases in the office under anesthesia, and is pain-free.

Why Get An Oral Cancer Screening?

During your daily routine of brushing and flossing your teeth, everyone should also visually inspect their teeth, gums, and tongue. While oral cancer can happen to anyone, there are risk factors that you should know to help you understand if an oral cancer screening is in your best interest. Oral cancer typically begins on the tongue or lower part of the mouth, and high-risk groups include tobacco smokers and chewers, beyond moderate alcohol drinkers, and people who have a history of cancer in their head or neck. Additionally, people with a diet that does not include enough fruits or vegetables may be at risk. If you believe you fit into any of these risk groups, Make A Dentist Appointment to discuss an oral cancer screening with your dentist as soon as possible.