Oral Cancer Screening

According to the American Cancer Society, over 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year, with over 7000 of these cases resulting in the death of the patient. Fortunately, oral cancer can be diagnosed with an annual cancer exam provided by Drs. Cacchillo, Daniel & Stanger. 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. 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. Drs. Cacchillo, Daniel & Stanger will look for abnormalities and feel the face, glands, and neck for unusual bumps. Red patches on the floor of the mouth, or the front of the tongue, and bleeding sores which fail to heal, 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, we 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. Drs. Cacchillo, Daniel & Stanger can provide you with literature and options about quitting dangerous behaviors such as tobacco use.