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How Do You Test for Oral Cancer?   

Oral cancer is a type of disease that develops in the mouth, tongue, or throat. There are a lot of different types of cancers, but a very common type is squamous cell carcinoma, commonly known as oral cancer. To determine whether you have it or not, schedule a Phillips oral cancer screening. 

male patient undergoing Phillips oral cancer screening 

Oral Cancer Screening Facts

What Are the Tests?

A screening involves taking a sample of your saliva or tissue from your mouth and examining it under a microscope. There are two main types of screening tests:   

  1. A visual examination by an expert dentist or doctor  
  2. A laboratory test (called cytology) to examine cells from inside your mouth  

What Are the Steps in Identifying Oral Cancer?

The first step in identifying oral cancer is by conducting a visual examination of your mouth and throat area. This can be done by checking your tongue, lips, teeth, and gums. You should also check for any sores that are bleeding or ulcers that have not healed after 10 days.  

The next step in identifying oral cancer is to examine your neck area for any swollen lymph nodes or lumps on the neck. The oral cancer expert will also check your neck area with both hands to see if there are any hard masses around the jawline or throat region.  

Who Can Undergo Oral Cancer Screening?

The American Cancer Society recommends that everyone should undergo screening for oral cancer at age 20. This is because there are some risk factors for oral cancer such as smoking and drinking alcohol which usually start in young adulthood.  

dentist showing her patient the result of her Phillips oral cancer screening 

Set a Phillips Oral Cancer Screening Appointment!

If you would like your symptoms assessed by an experienced dental professional at Northwoods Dentistry, come in for a consultation. Contact us today for an appointment. 

Request Your Appointment

Technologies

Our office is proud to offer the latest in dental technologies to provide you with the best in-office experience.

Digital X-Rays

Digital X-rays save time and reduce radiation exposure.

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Electronic claims

Electronic claims help maximize your insurance benefits.

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Cone beam CT Scan Technology

CBCT scans help us make more accurate assessments.

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Laser dentistry

Laser technology allows us to clean much deeper than before.

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Panoramic X-rays

Panoramic x-rays use a three-dimensional scanning system.

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Intraoral camera

Intraoral cameras use digital imaging for accuracy.

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Paperless charting

We save trees and our patients time with paperless charting.

Learn More

Patient education

We will be here guide and inform you during your appointment.

Learn More

Telescopic Loupes

Magnifying loupes help us make more accurate assessments.

Learn More

Digital X-rays

Digital X-rays save time and reduce radiation exposure.

Learn More

Electronic claims

Electronic claims help maximize your insurance benefits.

Learn More

Cone beam CT Scan Technology

CBCT scans help us make more accurate assessments.

Learn More

Laser dentistry

Laser technology allows us to clean much deeper than before.

Learn More

Panoramic X-rays

Panoramic x-rays use a three-dimensional scanning system.

Learn More

Intraoral camera

Intraoral cameras use digital imaging for accuracy.

Learn More

Paperless charting

We save trees and our patients time with paperless charting.

Learn More

Patient education

We will be here guide and inform you during your appointment.

Learn More

Telescopic loupes

Magnifying loupes help us make more accurate assessments.

Learn More

Request Your Appointment

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