Oral Cancer Exam

According to the American Cancer Society, over 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year, with over 7000 of these cases resulting in the death of the patient. Fortunately, oral cancer can be diagnosed with an annual oral exam provided by Dr. Nehring or Dr. Terry. If caught early, oral cancer can often be effectively treated.

Oral cancer is a pathologic process, which begins by producing no symptoms making it hard to recognize without an exam. There are many types of oral cancer, and can occur on the lip, tongue, salivary glands, throat, gums, cheeks, and face.

What to Expect from an Oral Cancer Exam

The oral cancer examination is completely painless. Drs. Nehring and Terry will look for abnormalities and feel the face, glands, and neck for unusual bumps.  Some of the suspcious signs are non-healing red patches and sores and can be indicative of cancerous changes. Leukoplakia is a hardened white or gray, slightly raised lesion that can appear inside the mouth, and may also be cancerous. Finally, soreness, lumps or the general thickening of tissue anywhere in the throat or mouth can signal pathologic signs, and will be examined.

If abnormalities, lesions, lumps, or leukoplakia are apparent, Drs. Nehring or Terry will implement a treatment plan that is right for you. Treatment options vary according to the precise diagnosis, but a biopsy will help determine a course of treatment.