What to Expect During the Oral Cancer Screening Process
Although having an oral cancer screening can be an anxiety provoking experience, the oral cancer screening itself is completely painless and can be completed very quickly. In fact, many clinics perform this evaluation as part of their regular oral health maintenance. Before beginning the examination, we will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, bite, plaque and bone structure and review your medical and oral health history. Following this, the oral cancer screening will begin with an evaluation of your oral cavity and the areas surrounding it. There are several different indicators that oral cancer may be present, including red patches, lumps, sores, spots, thickened tissue in the throat or mouth, and lesions. If any of these symptoms are present, a biopsy may be performed, which involves removing a section (incisional) or all (excisional) of the abnormal tissue, and then sending that tissue to a lab to be evaluated. Although most biopsies come back negative, it is still a good idea to have the biopsy performed. If you have developed oral cancer, treating it as early as possible is your best chance for a successful outcome.
How Much Does an Oral Cancer Screening Cost?
At Periodontic Associates of Port Huron, we are committed to making sure you understand what the cost of treatment will be and will do everything we can to help you maximize your dental health benefits and explore third-party financing plans if necessary. One of our business coordinators will be happy to conduct a complimentary benefits analysis for you when you are in the office.
If you do not have insurance and are concerned about the cost of periodontal care, you are not alone. We understand that cost of periodontal treatment is one of the biggest concerns our patients have and are committed to ensuring our patients receive the care they deserve, and that cost of treatment does not prevent this from happening. To learn more about all the financial options we offer, contact our office today.
For your convenience, we accept cash, check, credit cards, and financing.
Treatment Options for Oral Cancer
If you receive a diagnosis of oral cancer, it is important to understand that there are several treatment options available. Which treatment option is right for you will depend upon on a variety of factors, such as the severity of your case and your treatment goals. The most common treatment options for oral cancer include:
- Radiation therapy: Targeting tumors with high-energy beams has been shown to be effective in treating oral cancer, especially when done in combination with chemotherapy.
- Chemotherapy: Often done in conjunction with radiation therapy, chemotherapy is a method of destroying cancer cells using chemotherapy drugs. It will often be necessary to change the type of chemotherapy drug used, as patients quickly develop a resistance.
- Surgical removal: If possible, surgically removing the tumor may be your best treatment option, though the viability of surgery will be contingent on the location of the tumor.
To aid your body’s immune system and aid in the interference of cancer cell growth, targeted drug therapy may also be included as part of your treatment process
Personalized Care and High Quality Services
At Periodontic Associates of Port Huron, you can be confident that you will have an unparalleled dental experience. Our team of experienced and dedicated professionals are committed to providing the highest level of periodontal support and taking time to get to know our patients. We believe that developing this level of trust and open communication is an essential component to understanding your unique needs and providing you with optimal care.
If you have additional questions about oral cancer screenings or would like to schedule an appointment, new patients can contact us at (810) 412-1044 and current patients can contact us at (810) 987-1400.