Oral Pathology
At Merrell & Nichols Dentistry, we want to help you keep your smile looking its best. That’s why we provide a wide range of dentistry services to help meet all your oral health needs. From cosmetic care to fillings and crowns, Dr. P’Jay Merrell and his experienced professionals can work with you to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy. We also offer preventive care, including oral cancer screening, at our Lubbock facility.
Overview of oral cancer screening
- Oral cancer screening is a part of your regular dental checkup. It is a quick and painless process that helps to identify any abnormalities in the mouth, tongue, and lips early on. During the screening, we will check for any lumps, bumps, or discoloration within your mouth and feel around for any unusual tissue changes or tenderness. This can help us to detect any signs of cancer and recommend treatment before it develops further. We may also take X-rays if needed to get a better look at what's going on. We highly encourage our patients to let us know if they've noticed anything out of the ordinary in their mouths so that we can conduct an oral cancer screening right away for peace of mind - prevention is key!
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a severe and life-threatening form of cancer that can affect the face, mouth, and throat - all body areas essential for speech and breathing. It can occur in any tissues found in these areas, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, gums, salivary glands, or even the soft palate. Early detection of oral cancer is crucial as an early diagnosis can mean a successful treatment plan with far fewer complications.
Some warning signs to be aware of include the following:
1. Lesions on any part of the mouth or lip area
2. Chronic sore throats
3. Pain when swallowing
4. Difficulty speaking, moving your tongue, or chewing
5. Swollen lymph nodes in your neck
6. Numbness anywhere near your mouth
During regular checkups at the dentist’s office, we’ll always take time to look for anything unusual and carry out specific tests if
needed. If you notice anyone of these symptoms in yourself or those around you, please don’t hesitate to contact your dentist for a
detailed examination.
Benefits of Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screenings are an essential part of preventive care and can help identify any signs of oral cancer early on before it progresses. Early detection can help improve outcomes and increase the likelihood of successful treatment. Oral cancer screenings can make a massive difference in the long run.
Who Should Get Oral Cancer Screenings in Lubbock?
Anyone can benefit from oral cancer screenings, regardless of age or gender. Oral cancer is far more common in older adults and those who use tobacco products, so individuals in these groups should consider scheduling regular screenings.
Oral Cancer Screening in Lubbock
Dr. Merrell performs an oral cancer screening as an integral part of your thorough annual examination. Cancer screening aims to identify mouth cancer early when there is a greater chance for treatment. You will be screened for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. Oral cancer screenings are an essential line of defense for the overall health of your mouth and body. Everyone should consider getting an oral cancer screening as soon as possible, even if they don't have any symptoms or risk factors. Even children and adolescents who practice good oral hygiene should receive annual oral cancer screenings from the time they are young adults. If you're in the Lubbock area and considering an oral cancer screening, please do not hesitate to give us a call here at Merrell & Nichols Dentistry.
