Preventive, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry

Lifesaving oral cancer screenings offered in our office here in Hackettstown

Oral cancer affects nearly 48,250 Americans each year. Killing roughly 1 person per hour. That’s why most dental exams include a quick, painless, visual oral cancer screening. The test can spot cancer in the earliest stages while it’s still very treatable.
Happy Family after dental visit
Preventive, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry

Lifesaving oral cancer screenings offered in our office here in Hackettstown

Oral cancer affects nearly 48,250 Americans each year. Killing roughly 1 person per hour. That’s why most dental exams include a quick, painless, visual oral cancer screening. The test can spot cancer in the earliest stages while it’s still very treatable.
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What is involved in an oral cancer screening and why are they so important

During an oral cancer screening, we visually examine your mouth for any signs of cancer. We also feel for any lumps or unusual bumps. If we find anything suspicious, we may recommend a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

Oral cancer screenings are important because they can help us catch cancer in the earliest stages. When caught early, oral cancer is highly treatable. In fact, the 5-year survival rate for early-stage oral cancers is 83%. However, when caught at a later stage, the survival rate drops to just 38%.

Who should have an oral cancer screening?

Most people over the age of 18 should have an oral cancer screening as part of their regular dental exam. That’s because oral cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, or gender.
There are some risk factors that may increase your chance of developing oral cancer. These include:
  • USmoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products
  • UExcessive alcohol use
  • UA history of other cancers
  • UA weakened immune system
If you have any of these risk factors, we may recommend more frequent oral cancer screenings.

Symptoms to be aware of when it comes to oral cancer.

The early stages of oral cancer usually don’t cause any symptoms. That’s why regular screenings are so important. However, as the cancer grows, you may start to experience some symptoms. These can include:
  • UA sore or irritation that doesn’t go away
  • UPainful chewing or swallowing
  • UA lump or mass in your mouth
  • UWhite or red patches in your mouth
  • ULoose teeth
  • UNumbness in your mouth or lips

If you experience any of these symptoms, please call our office right away. We will be able to perform an oral cancer screening and determine if you need further treatment.

Frequently asked questions about oral cancer screenings

FAQ

Do oral cancer screenings hurt?

No, oral cancer screenings are quick and painless. We will simply examine your mouth for any signs of cancer.
FAQ

How often do I need an oral cancer screening?

Most people only need an oral cancer screening as part of their regular dental exam. However, if you have any risk factors for oral cancer, we may recommend more frequent screenings.
FAQ

What happens if you find something during my oral cancer screening?

If we find anything suspicious during your oral cancer screening, we may recommend a biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer cells. Depending on the results of the biopsy, you may need further treatment.
FAQ

I’m healthy and have no risk factors for oral cancer. Do I still need an oral cancer screening?

Yes, everyone should have regular oral cancer screenings. Even if you are healthy and don’t have any risk factors, it’s important to get checked regularly for any signs of cancer. This will allow us to catch the disease in its earliest stages and provide more effective treatment options.

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Contact Us

Contact

Dr. Gary Vander Vliet

Dr. K Dermoumi

Preventive, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry

office@gvdental.com

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Call us

908-852-8858

Address

Hastings Commons, Building 2B;
486 Schooley’s Mountain Road;
Hackettstown, New Jersey 07840

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Office hours

Monday 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Tuesday 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Wednesday 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Thursday 8:00AM – 5:00PM