What’s Involved in an Oral Cancer Screening in Lake Orion?
An oral cancer screening is a routine examination where Dr. Rocco Ciccone inspects your mouth, lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat for any signs of cancer. During the exam, Dr. Ciccone checks for abnormalities such as sores, lesions, or red or white patches that could signal a potential problem. He may also feel the lymph nodes and other areas of your neck to detect any unusual lumps or swelling. Early detection is critical because the earlier we catch oral cancer, the better the chances for effective treatment and recovery.
Who Should Get Oral Cancer Screenings?
Everyone should consider getting oral cancer screenings regularly, but they are especially important for those who are at higher risk. You may be at an increased risk for oral cancer if you:
- Smoke or chew tobacco
- Consume alcohol heavily
- Are over the age of 40
- Have a family history of oral cancer
- Have a history of oral lesions or persistent mouth sores
What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening
At Rocco Ciccone, DDS, we make an oral cancer screening in Lake Orion a quick and straightforward part of your regular dental checkup. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what you can expect during your visit:
- Initial Examination
The screening begins with Dr. Rocco Ciccone asking about your medical history, lifestyle factors, and any symptoms you might have noticed. He will then visually inspect the inside of your mouth, including your lips, tongue, cheeks, and gums. He’ll look for abnormalities such as sores, red or white patches, or other unusual signs. - Palpation
Dr. Ciccone will gently palpate (feel) the lymph nodes in your neck, jawline, and skull base. He’s looking for swelling or lumps that could indicate the presence of oral cancer. If any areas feel suspicious, he may recommend additional testing or a referral to a specialist for further evaluation. - Examination of the Throat
Dr. Ciccone will also examine the back of your throat, as oral cancer can develop in this area as well. He may ask you to stick out your tongue or tilt your head back to get a better view. - Additional Tests
If Dr. Ciccone detects any abnormalities during the exam, he may recommend additional tests. These could include a biopsy or imaging tests to assess the area further and determine whether the abnormalities are cancerous.
Benefits of Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer screenings offer several key benefits:
- Early Detection: Regular screenings help catch oral cancer early when it’s most treatable. Early-stage oral cancer has a much higher survival rate than cancer detected at later stages.
- Preventive Care: Oral cancer screenings are essential to preventive dental care. By detecting issues early, Dr. Ciccone can intervene before they develop into more serious conditions.
- Peace of Mind: If you’re worried about your oral health, a screening can give you peace of mind. If everything checks out fine, you can continue with confidence. If Dr. Ciccone finds any issues, you can take action quickly to address them.
How Often Should You Have an Oral Cancer Screening?
Dr. Rocco Ciccone recommends having an oral cancer screening at least once a year as part of your regular dental checkup. If you’re at higher risk, he may recommend more frequent screenings. By maintaining routine screenings, we can catch potential issues and significantly increase the chances of successful treatment.
Schedule Your Oral Cancer Screening in Lake Orion Today
If you haven’t had an oral cancer screening in Lake Orion recently or are due for your regular checkup, contact Rocco Ciccone, DDS, in Lake Orion today to schedule an appointment. By using advanced dental technology and offering flexible financing, Dr. Ciccone and his team are committed to helping you maintain a healthy, cancer-free mouth through proactive care.
