820 W Laraway Rd, New Lenox, IL 60451
Oral Cancer Screening In New Lenox, IL
At Nelson Ridge Family Dental, we utilize the VELscope® oral cancer screening technology to effectively monitor your oral health. By detecting oral cancer in its early stages, when treatment is more manageable, our dentists and team highly recommend receiving a screening at least once annually.
To learn more about VELscope oral cancer screening in New Lenox, IL, and to schedule an appointment with our dentists, please call us at (817) 512 9269.
Oral Cancer: An Often Silent Enemy
Oral cancer can affect various parts of the mouth, such as the lips, cheeks, gums, tongue, floor, and roof. This potentially devastating disease is primarily caused by two factors.
Smoking and other forms of tobacco use
Alcohol abuse
Oral cancer can, in rare instances, be caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV).
However, regardless of the cause, it is crucial to undergo regular oral cancer screenings to increase your chances of surviving this potentially deadly disease. Approximately 9,000 Americans lose their lives to oral cancer each year. Even those who survive may face disfigurement due to treatment or the spread of cancer to other areas of the body.
Symptoms of Oral Cancer
There are several common symptoms associated with oral cancer. These may include:
A sore or irritation that doesn't go away
Red or white patches of skin inside the mouth
Pain, tenderness or numbness in the mouth or lips
A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
Difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving your tongue or jaw
A change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
If you don't undergo regular oral cancer screenings, you could be unknowingly carrying this disease. Even without symptoms or pain, the cancer cells may be multiplying and causing oral tumors to grow. Those who have previously fought oral cancer and achieved remission are at a high risk of recurrence, especially within the first ten years after their initial diagnosis.
New Patients & Emergency Appointments Welcome!
