Oral Cancer Screening

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer can sneak up unnoticed, but with regular screenings you can catch cancer early and deal with it before it becomes a major problem.

What is an oral cancer screening like?

During your dental exam and cleaning, Dr. Pitner also performs an oral cancer screening.  She does this by checking your face, neck, and mouth for any abnormalities that may indicate signs of oral cancer. Most of the time this is a visual inspection, although there can be times when other methods are used.  Having Dr. Pitner screen you for oral cancer can detect cancer early and help you get on the right track to treatment.

How important is an oral cancer screening?

Although there are known risk factors, the Mayo Clinic has stated that oral cancer cases have been increasing in recent years while the reasons for that are not yet clear.  Therefore, oral cancer screenings may become increasingly important for more patients as early detection for any cancer can significantly increase treatability.

Lifestyle factors that increase oral cancer risk