Oral Cancer Exam
Oral cancer is a pathologic process, which begins by producing no symptoms making it hard to recognize without an exam. There are many types of oral cancer, including teratoma, adenocarcinoma, and melanoma. The most common form of oral cancer is malignant squamous cell carcinoma, which typically originates in the lip and mouth tissue. There are many other places in which oral cancers occur, including the tongue, salivary glands, throat, gums, and face.
What to Expect
The oral cancer examination is completely painless. Dr. Chan will look for abnormalities and feel the face, glands, and neck for unusual bumps. Some of the signs that will be investigated are red patches and sores. Red patches on the floor of the mouth, or the front of the tongue, and bleeding sores that fail to heal easily, can be indicative of cancerous changes. Leukoplakia is a hardened white or gray, slightly raised lesion that can appear inside the mouth, and may be cancerous. Signs of these will be examined as well. Finally, soreness, lumps, or the general thickening of tissue anywhere in the throat or mouth can signal pathologic signs and will be examined.
If abnormalities, lesions, lumps, or leukoplakia are apparent, Dr. Chan will implement a treatment plan that is right for you.
It is also important to note that over 75% of oral cancers are linked with avoidable behaviors such as smoking, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption. Dr. Chan can provide you with literature and options about quitting dangerous behaviors such as tobacco use.
We would recommend performing an oral cancer self-examination monthly and remember that your mouth is one of your body’s most important warning systems. Do not ignore suspicious lumps or sores. Please contact us so we may help.
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