You may not have noticed, but each time you visit our office for your semi-annual checkup and cleaning, we conduct a thorough oral cancer screening in search of any signs of this deadly disease. Dr. Carolyn Molzahn's goal is to help diagnose the issue as soon as possible, while it’s easier to successfully treat. By doing this, our team hopes to maintain your overall wellbeing and give you a better chance at making a full recovery. If you’ve noticed any oral abnormalities or haven’t visited our office for your checkup and cleaning in the last six months, be sure to schedule an appointment today so we can conduct an in-depth screening for you.
According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, approximately 53,000 Americans will be diagnosed with the disease this year. Of those 53,000, nearly 10,000 are expected to die, typically due to late detection. Dr. Molzahn understands how much routine oral cancer screenings in Worthington matter, which is why she encourages her patients to never miss one. Her goal is to reduce the number of deaths caused by this treatable disease and help maintain her patient’s overall wellbeing and good quality of life through early detection. Although these statistics sound intimidating and scary, there is one fact that shouldn’t be ignored, that the earlier the symptoms of oral cancer are spotted, the higher the chance of survival.
Signs of oral cancer are typically difficult to spot on your own; however, it’s a good idea to know what they are so you can quickly address them. Some symptoms to keep an eye out for include:
If you notice any of these, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist in Worthington as soon as possible. Our team will schedule an appointment to examine your mouth at your earliest convenience.
Oral cancer screenings are short and to-the-point. We’ll first provide you with a visual examination to look for any patches, wounds, or lesions. Then, we’ll conduct a physical inspection to make sure there are no lumps or abnormal growths in your mouth. Next, we’ll examine your jaw, neck, and throat, because oral cancer signs can also develop in these areas. If we do notice any out-of-the-ordinary or suspicious growths, we’ll refer you for additional testing to either rule out oral cancer or make a diagnosis so you can start treatment as soon as possible.
Our team will be by your side throughout the entire process, and we genuinely care about your wellbeing. If it has been longer than six months since you last received a screening, don’t hesitate to contact our office to schedule an appointment!
