About 12 out of every 100,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. Lea Hill residents are not immune. Early detection is the best prevention. Learn about screening for this cancer, who’s most at risk, and why it’s so important. The screening can potentially save your life or the life of a loved one.
What’s the Purpose?
The main reason for oral cancer screening is to detect possible precancerous lesions that eventually lead to cancer. Pinpointing abnormalities during routine teeth and gumline cleaning ensures you get the treatment you need while the cancer is still in its early and more treatable stages. If not detected, the cancer can spread and become much more difficult to treat with long-term success.
Who Is at the Most Risk?
Some people are at higher risk than others. For example, men are twice as likely as women to develop this cancer. Be certain your dentist performs a routine screening if you:
- Use tobacco in any form, such as smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco
- Regularly consume alcohol
- Have had a previous oral cancer diagnosis
- Have a history of constant sun and UV ray exposure
How Do You Prepare?
There are no special requirements or any actions you need to take prior to your appointment. Just set up a schedule for a screening. Your dentist may request previous dental records. The screening will include a checkup of the inside of your mouth.
What to Expect
Many dentists conduct a visual cancer screening exam. He/she may also feel the tissues inside your mouth. Other clinics may employ tests using specialized dyes or screening lights. The process is relatively quick, painless, and takes less than 10 minutes
Need to Schedule Oral Cancer Screening near Lea Hill?
Ask Auburn Periodontics and Implants about our cancer screening process. Oral cancer detection is the first step to prevention. You can depend on us for your family dental needs, from a routine cleaning to dental implants. Contact us to set up an appointment.
Trusted Oral Cancer Screening
Serving Auburn, Federal Way, Puyallup, Kent & Lea Hill
Posted on September 01, 2026 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business