It is estimated that close to 53,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year, and nearly 10,000 will lose their life. While it is easy to assume that only those individuals who smoke are the ones who develop oral cancer, this is an unfortunate misconception, as there are other reasons a person can develop the disease. Everything from smoking and tobacco use, excessive drinking, sun exposure, and HPV (human papillomavirus) are linked to oral cancer. Whether you exhibit any of the risk factors, your dentist can serve as your first line of defense with oral cancer screenings in Jacksonville. Early detection is key to protecting your oral and overall health, so don’t wait! Contact Jacksonville Dental Specialists today to schedule an appointment.
While it would much easier if all the signs and symptoms were easily detectable, that’s not the case with oral cancer. This is one of the reasons so many people lose their lives each year. Dr. Nawrocki, who is trained to look for areas of concern as it relates to oral cancer, will be able to provide a thorough oral cancer screening in Jacksonville. However, should you notice any of the following signs, contact your dental professional as soon as possible.
During a typical screening process, we will check your lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, neck, throat, and the roof and floor of your mouth. By examining your oral and facial structures, we can check for any warning signs of oral cancer. The process is quick and painless, and you may not even realize the screening is happening.
If Dr. Nawrocki discovers any signs of potentially cancerous cells, he will help you take the next steps toward getting a biopsy.
The number one way to treat oral cancer successfully is to catch it in its early stages. Approximately, 84% of all cases can be detected by a dental professional, which is why we strongly encourage our patients to receive regular dental checkups. If oral cancer is left unchecked or untreated, it can progress to a more advanced stage, making it almost impossible to treat. With an oral cancer screening in Jacksonville, we’re trained to look for anything that may be a sign of oral cancer. If detected, we will work with you to establish a treatment plan, so the cancer doesn’t progress further.