Oral Cancer Exam in Tallahassee

Oral Cancer is a serious disease.

Early detection and diagnosis greatly improves the outcome of treatment.

According to the American Cancer Society, over 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year, with over 7,000 of these cases resulting in the death of the patient. Fortunately, oral cancer can be diagnosed with an annual cancer exams. If caught early, oral cancer can be effectively treated.

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. Colón, Dr. Guzmán and Dr. Zellner will look for abnormalities and feel the face, glands and neck for unusual bumps. Lasers may be used to highlight pathologic changes, and can “look” below the surface for spots and legions invisible to the naked eye. 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 which fail to heal easier, 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.

Oral cancer exam
If abnormalities, lesions, lumps or leukoplakia are apparent, our physicians will implement a treatment plan that is right for you. Treatment options vary according to the precise diagnosis, but may include excision, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. 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. Our physicians can provide more information and options about eliminating cancer causing behaviors such as tobacco use.

Do You Need More Information on Oral Cancer Exam? Call Periodontal Associates of North Florida At Periodontal Associates of North Florida Phone Number 850-562-6111 Today

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