You may not immediately think of Dr. Finlay or Dr. Lim when considering reducing your risk of being diagnosed with an oral cancer, but as a dentist he can play an important role in one of the biggest factors affecting oral cancer rates today: early detection!
Annapolis dentists Dr. Finlay and Dr. Lim perform an oral cancer screening as part of routine preventive dental care, looking for signs of abnormal tissue in the mouth and throat or palpable lumps in the neck area.
Oral cancer is a growing health concern worldwide, with cases rising annually and survival rates hovering around 50%. Many of those diagnosed will have late stage disease which is difficult to treat and often not curable. Early detection is one of the key components to reducing oral cancer rates and dentists are on the front lines in trying to battle the disease.
Preventive dental care is important in maintaining healthy teeth and gums, but can also play a part in overall health care as many diseases can have early signs that affect oral health. Dr. Finlay and Dr. Lim can spot early warning signs that would be unnoticeable to most patients until disease has advanced. Understanding the possible symptoms of oral cancer is important, especially for those who have a higher risk of developing the disease. Patients who use tobacco, smoke or have a family history of oral cancer should discuss their concerns with Dr. Finlay or Dr. Lim during a visit.
Signs of Oral Cancer
- Sore or red/white patch in the mouth that does not heal
- Persistent hoarseness
- Lump in the back of the mouth or neck area
- Difficulty swallowing
Oral cancer screening is quick and painless- many patients do not even realize that their dentist has performed the screening while they did a thorough dental exam. Twice yearly visits to Dr. Finlay and Dr. Lim in our Arnold dentist office will enhance our ability to spot early signs of cancer as we develop a more in depth knowledge of your oral health.