Oral Cancer Screening

Oral Cancer (oral, throat, and pharyngeal cancer) is one of the few cancers still on the rise. This is due to several factors including lack of public awareness and understanding as well as late detection. Once you have a lump, bump, or lesion visible in your mouth, the cancer is at a later stage and the morbidity and mortality of the situation drastically increases. As with all cancers, early detection is the key. Dr. Estep does a visual oral cancer screening at every check-up — and she has for every patient she’s ever seen in her career. Still, a visual screening will only detect oral cancer once it has grown too big.

At Intown Smile Studio, our Oral Cancer Screening Technology requires no unpleasant swishing or rinsing. New technology has emerged that allows us to screen comfortably. Oral cancer technology has greatly improved in the last several years, and now early detection devices are available to dentists. These devices allow the dental team to see early changes at the cellular level, increasing the chance for detection in the early cancer stages. Of course, this allows for early treatment and a drastic reduction in morbidity and mortality.

Why every patient?

Most people still think that oral cancer is a cancer for smokers and tobacco users. While this is one high-risk population, we now better understand the risks and causes of oral cancer. One major cause for oral cancer is HPV (human papilloma virus — the same one that causes cervical cancer). Most adults have been exposed to HPV, therefore it is important for all adults (even non-smokers) to have oral cancer screenings at least once per year.

Dr. Estep recommends this special screening at least once per year for every patient at their checkup and cleaning appointment.

We’re glad you are here learning more about protecting your health.  Our goal is to share with our community information that is beneficial in understanding the systemic connections in our body and what we can do to help protect health and promote longevity.  We encourage you to read and learn more about cancers and other systemic diseases that can be influenced by gum disease.  Visit our blog for a wider range of topics. As soon as you’re ready, we welcome you to schedule your first appointment with us.