Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral Cancer Screenings in Memphis, TN
Oral cancer is highly treatable when caught early, but it often develops without noticeable symptoms in its initial stages. That is why oral cancer screenings in Memphis, TN are a standard part of every dental exam at Dr. Marrio Smiles. This quick, painless check takes just a few minutes and could make a life-saving difference.
What an Oral Cancer Screening Involves
During your screening, Dr. Thomas performs a careful visual and physical examination of your mouth, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, throat, lips, and neck. He looks for any unusual patches of color, sores that have not healed, lumps, thickening, or other changes in your oral tissues. The screening is completely painless and is included as part of your regular dental exam.
Why Screenings Are Important
The Oral Cancer Foundation reports that someone in the United States is diagnosed with oral cancer every hour. When detected early, the five-year survival rate is significantly higher. Regular screenings give our team the opportunity to catch abnormalities at the earliest possible stage, when treatment is most effective and least invasive.
Risk Factors
- Tobacco use, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco
- Heavy or frequent alcohol consumption
- Prolonged sun exposure to the lips
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
- A personal or family history of cancer
- A weakened immune system
While these factors increase risk, oral cancer can occur in patients with no known risk factors. Regular screenings are valuable for everyone.
What to Watch For Between Visits
Contact our Memphis dental office if you notice a sore in your mouth that does not heal within two weeks, unexplained numbness or pain in your face or mouth, persistent difficulty swallowing or chewing, a lump or thickening in your cheek, or white or red patches on your gums, tongue, or lining of your mouth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oral Cancer Screenings
An oral cancer screening is a quick, painless visual and physical examination of your mouth, tongue, cheeks, throat, and neck. We check for any unusual sores, lumps, or discoloration. Screenings are included in your regular dental exams at Dr. Marrio Smiles.
We perform an oral cancer screening at every routine dental exam, typically every six months. Patients with higher risk factors such as tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, or a history of oral cancer may benefit from additional screenings.
Risk factors include tobacco use in any form, heavy alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure to the lips, HPV infection, and a family history of cancer. However, oral cancer can affect anyone, which is why regular screenings are important for all patients.
If we identify anything unusual during your screening, Dr. Thomas will discuss the findings with you and may recommend a biopsy or referral to a specialist for further evaluation. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Early Detection Could Save Your Life
Oral cancer screenings are quick, painless, and included with your regular exam. Schedule your checkup and give yourself peace of mind.
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