Oral Cancer Screening: Early Detection Saves Lives

At East Peak Dental in Stateline, NV, we prioritize your oral health, including proactive screenings for oral cancer. Detecting oral cancer in its early stages significantly improves treatment outcomes. Here's what you need to know about oral cancer screenings:

Understanding Oral Cancer

Each year, tens of thousands of people are affected by oral cancer. Early detection is crucial, significantly improving survival rates. During your oral cancer screening, we conduct a visual inspection followed by a physical examination.

During the visual inspection, we examine your teeth, gums, cheeks, tongue, and throat using a dental mirror. Next, we perform a physical examination, feeling for any abnormal lumps or masses in your mouth. While many lumps are benign, any suspicious findings may warrant further investigation, including additional exams or biopsies. Radiographically, there can be abnormalities seen from our 3d x-ray machine called a CBCT (cone beam CT). This machine allows for our dental professionals to examine your head and neck regions in a 3-dimensional x-ray.

Recognizing Warning Signs

Knowing the warning signs of oral cancer empowers you to seek prompt attention if symptoms arise. Pay attention to:

• Unexplained lumps or masses in the mouth or throat.
• Chronic mouth pain or swelling, especially in the jaw.
• Persistent mouth sores or bleeding.
• Difficulty swallowing, numbness in the throat, or chronic ear pain.

If you experience any of these symptoms, don't delay—schedule an appointment with Dr. Gordon or Dr. Appelblatt at East Peak Dental by calling (775) 580-7410. Early detection is key to successful treatment.

For comprehensive dental care, including dental exams, dentistry for kids, and dental cleanings, trust our experienced team at East Peak Dental.