Oral Cancer Screenings in Kingston, PA

Oral cancer presents itself in a variety of forms and while early signs may be difficult to notice, they can lead to serious consequences for your health. With research by the American Cancer Society revealing more than 30,000 cases of oral cancer diagnosed a year, over 7,000 of which result in fatal outcomes, this disease has an enormous impact on the population. However, by visiting our Kingston dentist, Dr. Frantz for a bi-annual oral cancer exam, the presence of disease can be easily detected and diagnosed. The screenings we provide at Frantz Dental can catch oral cancer in its earliest stages, allowing for more effective treatment options.

The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings

Although oral cancer can affect anyone, there are certain modifiable behaviors that can increase the risk of disease. In fact, 75 percent of oral cancers are linked with poor habits such as tobacco use, whether smoking or chewing and excessive alcohol consumption.

Usual cancer signs may not be readily noticeable due to the pathological nature of oral cancer, which is why it is important to visit Frantz Dental for an oral cancer screening. Disease commonly occurs in areas such as the lips, gums, tongue, salivary glands, and throat, which is why Dr. Frantz examines these specific areas to detect any sites that may potentially be at-risk. For a more effective treatment plan, early detection of oral cancer is key to receive optimal care.

Diagnosis and Treatment

During a routine oral examination, our Kingston dentist and dental hygienist will go over your history, lifestyle behaviors, and examine your face, glands, and neck for signs of oral cancer. Dr. Frantz may use a specialized laser to highlight areas where abnormalities may be difficult to observe with the naked eye.

As part of the screening process, Dr. Frantz will examine your oral and maxillofacial regions for unusual signs that may be indicators for disease, including:

-          Red patches and sores – Found on the floor of the mouth, on the front and sides of the tongue, these red patches can be slow to heal and bleed easily are indicative of cancerous changes.

-          Leukoplakia – These are hardened white or gray, slightly raised lesions that are found anywhere inside the mouth. It is important to seek our treatment if found, for these can become cancerous.

-          Lumps – General thickening of tissue and soreness anywhere in the throat or mouth can be indicative of cancer and should be checked by our Kingston dentist.

If found, our Kingston dentist will develop an initial treatment plan and diagnostic impression to appropriately manage these various findings. If necessary, Dr. Frantz will perform a biopsy of the affected area as well as a clinical evaluation to identify the precise stage and grade of the oral lesion. While our Kingston dentist’s recommendations will vary based on the specific diagnosis, common treatment methods include removing the lesion, therapeutic radiation care, or chemotherapy.
 

Contact Our Kingston Dental Practice Today!

In order to ensure the oral health and peace of mind for our patients, Dr. Frantz and the rest of our team at Frantz Dental stress the importance of early cancer detection and treatment. For more information about screening for oral cancers and care options, contact our Kingston dental practice today.