Do you know what type of cancer ranks eighth in the cancer incidence worldwide? It’s oral cancer. According to experts, most patients who are diagnosed with oral cancer are already experiencing severe symptoms. This means the cancer was not detected at an earlier stage and so it developed and spread throughout the body. To prevent this from happening, it is imperative you schedule an annual oral cancer screening in Pembroke Pines.
What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening?
Determine if there are Signs of Oral Cancer
Upon discovering the signs of oral cancer or precancerous lesions, you will be asked to schedule follow-up visits to check for further abnormalities. Your dentist will note the various observable changes, like growth, color, or discomfort in the area. Additionally, a biopsy procedure may be needed to get a sample of the tissue for laboratory testing. This way, your dentist will know whether cancer cells are present.
Other Tests Performed
Aside from the actual or oral screening, some dentists may perform additional examinations to guarantee that cancer cells do not exist. The special screening for oral cancer may include:
- Toluidine blue stain – involves the coating of mouth lesions with a special blue due to diagnose areas that are more likely to develop cancer cells.
- Fluorescence staining – often performed when the patient has lesions. The special light is shined upon the affected area, and a fluorescent mouth rinse is placed to identify any abnormal tissue.
- Exfoliative cytology - getting cells from the mouth with a wooden stick, piece of cotton, or brush and viewing them under a microscope to check if there are some tissue cells' irregularities.
Get Oral Cancer Screening in Pembroke Pines
If you suspect you have oral cancer, it’s best to undergo oral cancer screening at least once a year. At Oral Facial Reconstruction and Implant Center, we offer oral cancer screening services at a reasonable price! Contact our friendly staff for inquiries!
