Davis Family Dentistry Independence MO

Your smile matters

DAVIS FAMILY DENTISTRY

Your smile matters

Call us today: (816)-350-7710
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Oral Cancer Exam

According to research conducted by the American Cancer Society, more than 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. More than 7,000 of these cases result in the death of the patient. The good news is that oral cancer can easily be diagnosed with an annual oral cancer exam, and effectively treated when caught in its earliest stages.

Oral cancer is a pathologic process which begins with an asymptomatic stage during which the usual cancer signs may not be readily noticeable. This makes the oral cancer examinations performed by the dentist critically important. Oral cancers can be of varied histologic types such as teratoma, adenocarcinoma and melanoma. The most common type of oral cancer is the malignant squamous cell carcinoma. This oral cancer type usually originates in lip and mouth tissues.

There are many different places in the oral cavity and maxillofacial region in which oral cancers commonly occur, including:

  • Lips
  • Mouth
  • Tongue
  • Salivary Glands
  • Oropharyngeal Region (throat)
  • Gums
  • Face

Reasons for oral cancer examinations

It is important to note that around 75 percent of oral cancers are linked with modifiable behaviors such as smoking, tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption. Your dentist can provide literature and education on making lifestyle changes and smoking cessation.

When oral cancer is diagnosed in its earliest stages, treatment is generally very effective. Any noticeable abnormalities in the tongue, gums, mouth or surrounding area should be evaluated by a health professional as quickly as possible. During the oral cancer exam, the dentist and dental hygienist will be scrutinizing the maxillofacial and oral regions carefully for signs of pathologic changes.

The following signs will be investigated during a routine oral cancer exam:

Red patches and sores – Red patches on the floor of the mouth, the front and sides of the tongue, white or pink patches which fail to heal and slow healing sores that bleed easily can be indicative of pathologic (cancerous) changes.

Leukoplakia – This is a hardened white or gray, slightly raised lesion that can appear anywhere inside the mouth. Leukoplakia can be cancerous, or may become cancerous if treatment is not sought.

Lumps – Soreness, lumps or the general thickening of tissue anywhere in the throat or mouth can signal pathological problems.

Oral cancer exams, diagnosis and treatment

The oral cancer examination is a completely painless process. During the visual part of the examination, the dentist will look for abnormality and feel the face, glands and neck for unusual bumps. Lasers which can highlight pathologic changes are also a wonderful tool for oral cancer checks. The laser can “look” below the surface for abnormal signs and lesions which would be invisible to the naked eye.

If abnormalities, lesions, leukoplakia or lumps are apparent, the dentist will implement a diagnostic impression and treatment plan. In the event that the initial treatment plan is ineffective, a biopsy of the area will be performed. The biopsy includes a clinical evaluation which will identify the precise stage and grade of the oral lesion.

Oral cancer is deemed to be present when the basement membrane of the epithelium has been broken. Malignant types of cancer can readily spread to other places in the oral and maxillofacial regions, posing additional secondary threats. Treatment methods vary according to the precise diagnosis, but may include excision, radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

During bi-annual check-ups, the dentist and hygienist will thoroughly look for changes and lesions in the mouth, but a dedicated comprehensive oral cancer screening should be performed at least once each year.

If you have any questions or concerns about oral cancer, please contact our practice

17020 E HWY 40 STE 7

INDEPENDENCE, MO 64055

Tel: (816) 350-7710

Fax: (816) 350-7711


OFFICE HOURS


Monday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Thursday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

(Early morning & late evening appointments available upon request)

NEW PATIENT FORMS

For your convenience, we invite all new patients to download our new patient forms to expedite the paperwork at your first visit. Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed to download these forms.


Sharon Hudson
Sharon Hudson
2022-06-22
Lori Terry
Lori Terry
2022-06-08
The staff and Dr. Davis were awesome. I highly recommend this office!
Jen Bosley
Jen Bosley
2022-05-27
Dr. Davis and his staff are the best! I have horrible dental anxiety and I am not scared going to his office. Dr. Davis has an incredible bedside manner. Appointments are always right on time.
Korina Sims
Korina Sims
2022-05-16
Dierk Rice, Sr
Dierk Rice, Sr
2022-05-02
I've been to several dentists during my life. Dr. Davis' practice is, by far, the best that I can remember. My hygienist was more thorough than any I have ever known. She thoroughly explained everything that I needed to know and explained some things that I had questions about. Dr. Davis is very professional and nice, as is his staff. I'm so glad that I found this dental office.
Rick Nelson
Rick Nelson
2022-04-30
Aravella Pineda
Aravella Pineda
2022-04-27
Leon C Schneider
Leon C Schneider
2022-04-12
Always great and thorough care and professionalism in all aspects of the visit
GRIZZ NA
GRIZZ NA
2022-04-01
I greatly enjoyed the office visit. Dr. Davis chatted with me about our high school days which was enjoyable. Very nice person and staff. Try em out out and start a new long dental journey with them. William
Amanda O'Dell
Amanda O'Dell
2022-03-31
I've found the best kept secret in independence. Dr. Davis and his staff are amazing they gave me affordable options and didn't pressure me into anything. I absolutely am never going anywhere else. One of a kind down to earth and only wants to help you.
Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 108 reviews.

© 2015 DAVIS FAMILY DENTISTRY | 17020 E HWY 40 STE 7, INDEPENDENCE, MO 64055

Serving Independence, Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit and surrounding areas

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