Dedicated to complete oral health

Oral Cancer Screening

Dr. Cynthia Skiba is not only concerned about your oral health but the overall health of your body as well. Dr. Cynthia Skiba takes an overall holistic approach to your dental care, therefore at each appointment she examines your mouth for any signs of oral cancer. Just like any other kind of cancer, oral cancer can be life threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. Cancer screening is another reason of why keeping up with your regular appointments is important. Early treatment can help reduce the overall damage exerted on your body.

Signs of Trouble

At the office of Dr. Cynthia Skiba our staff has been trained to know the signs of oral cancer. Dr. Cynthia Skiba has attended multiple continuing education courses on the subject, and our office has been outfitted with the latest technology in oral cancer detection. 

While some of the signs that indicate oral cancer may be caused by less serious problems, testing these signs to determine if oral cancer is present is a highly important measure that must be taken in attempting to diagnose oral cancer early. 

Signs of oral cancer include:

  • Red or white spots or sores anywhere in the oral cavity
  • A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
  • A lump, thickening or rough spot
  • Pain, tenderness or numbness anywhere in the mouth or on the lips
  • Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue


Screening

Dr. Cynthia Skiba checks your mouth at every routine examination for any signs of oral cancer. Besides a visual exam we may feel the tissue of your mouth and throat to affirm if there are or are not any abnormalities. 

If we become concerned with an area of question we may perform an oral cancer test, this test is as simple as collecting a few cells with a cotton swab and sending them to a lab that specializes in cancer cell diagnosis to affirm if the area in question is in fact cancerous or not. If the test comes back positive we may recommend a biopsy.

Prevention

There are many things you can do to help decrease your chances of acquiring oral cancer. Dr. Cynthia Skiba recommends to all her patients these life choices for many reasons:

  • The best way to prevent oral cancer is to avoid all tobacco products and only drink alcohol in moderation.
  • Maintain a healthy, balanced diet.
  • Limit your exposure to the sun and always wear UV-A/B-blocking sun protective lotions on your skin as well as your lips.
  • During your next dental appointment, ask Dr. Cynthia Skiba to perform an oral exam. Early detection of oral cancer can improve the chance of successful treatment.