Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer can affect adults of any and all ages. Some patients are more at risk of developing oral cancer, like those who smoke or use chewing tobacco. However, Dr. Johnson conducts an Oral Cancer Screening Examination during your initial examination and every time you are seen at our office if it has been more than a year since your last visit! With early detection, treatment is both easier and more effective.

Lifestyle factors like smoking and chewing tobacco, excessive alcohol intake, and exposure to other toxic materials and certain viruses can increase the risks of developing oral cancer. Even if you've quit smoking years ago, it is still important that annual screenings be done. The screening itself takes just minutes and can be helpful in preventing future oral health problems. Even if you're not a smoker or use other types of tobacco, we recommend having a screening done regularly.

If you're a smoker or use other tobacco-related products, we recommend coming in for routine screenings. If cancer runs in your family, it's important to consider coming in to get checked. Most adults are good candidates for these screenings. The benefits of having a screening done far outweigh the few minutes it takes to have it performed in our office.

First, Dr. Johnson will perform the Oral Cancer Screening Exam as part of his Dental Examination. He lifts the tongue to look underneath it, and Dr. Johnson will then visually and tactilely scan the insides and outside of your mouth. He is looking for unusual lesions, bumps and plaque-like film that could be a sign of oral cancer. If he detect anything unusual, he will recommend that an appropriate test be done to find out if the area is benign or cancerous. Keep in mind that the majority of cancer screenings come out negative, but it is still important to have them done so that a problem can be caught early!

To schedule your appointment with us, call us today and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!