Zelienople Oral Cancer Screening

girl at her dentist appointment
dentist performing oral cancer screening
One of our Hygienists using high-tech Veloscope oral cancer detecting equipment.

Given the staggering incidence of oral cancer, early detection with regular oral cancer screenings is critically important. The ADA recommends that dentists screen adult patients every year and high-risk adults every 6 months.

At Marion Smile Center, we examine patients using the latest in medical technology, which includes a specialized instrument utilizing three different wavelengths of light to determine whether cancer is present. With this technology, our providers can see below the tissue. This fluorescent light technology allows us to detect a tissue abnormality before it can be seen with the naked eye.  If a suspicious lesion is observed during the oral cancer examination, Dr. Marion may take a biopsy for laboratory analysis and/or refer you to an oral surgeon for further assessment.

Oral Cancer Examination by Dr. Marion

Click here to learn more about oral cancer screenings.

Each year, the American Cancer Society issues its oral cancer statistical estimates for the United States for the upcoming year. This year, they estimate the following:

  • 54,000 people are projected to be diagnosed with oral cancer.
  • 10,850 people are estimated to die from oral cancer – this equates to one American dying from oral cancer every hour of every day.
  • Age 62 is the average age most people are diagnosed with oral cancer, but it can occur in younger adults also; one-quarter of all diagnoses are in patients under 55 years old.
  • Only 43% of those diagnosed with late-stage oral cancer will survive 5 years or more. However, if detected early, the survival rate is 80% to 90%. Unfortunately, those who do survive late-stage oral cancer often suffer disfigurement due to surgeries to remove the lower jaw, lips, and tongue.

The risk factors for oral cancer include:

  • Smoking
  • Tobacco use
  • Alcohol use (1 or more drinks per day)
  • Sun exposure to your lips
  • HPV virus
  • Weakened immune system

Don’t put off your oral cancer screening from Marion Smile Center in Zelienople, Pennsylvania. For more information on the importance of oral cancer screenings, listen to what actor Michael Douglas has to say in this video:

 

Good oral health is important for your overall health. Get the oral cancer screening by calling Marion Smile Center in Zelienople, Pennsylvania, at (724) 452-4300 or request an appointment now.