Oral Cancer Screening in Orem UT

Infamously known as the most severe oral disease, oral cancer has claimed the lives of millions of individuals in the past. Thousands, if not millions, of Americans, get diagnosed with oral cancer every year, and doctors claim that a significant proportion of them fail to beat it. However, with early diagnosis and detection, oral cancer can be treated effectively, and the chances of getting it cured are relatively high.

How can you spot the onset of oral cancer?

Patients can watch out for certain signs of oral cancer, such as:

• Sores forming on the soft tissues of the mouth, which do not heal easily
• The sores could bleed or discharge pus
• Sometimes, you may feel a thick lump in the soft tissues, which could indicate the cluster of cancerous cells
• Severe bad breath caused by the pus discharge
• The soft inner lining could feel numb, along with the tongue and lips
• Chewing and swallowing food could become increasingly difficult
• When food comes in contact with the cancerous cells, it could lead to a severe burning sensation
• If the cancer is present in the throat, it could lead to a coarse voice
• White patches on the cheeks or lips, especially on the inner side.

If you spot any of the above signs, it is best to get yourself diagnosed by a dentist.

How is professional oral cancer screening conducted?

Initially, we will conduct a thorough visual examination. If we see signs of oral cancer, such as sores, lumps, white patches, etc., we will extract the tissues using dental instruments called the CDx and VELscope. As an advanced method, laser therapy may also be used to determine the presence of cancer. The extracted tissues will be examined, and the presence of cancer will be confirmed. Further treatment will be discussed with you to treat the condition.

Please do reach out to us on call or by scheduling an online consultation with our dental professionals, and we’ll be glad to assist you further.