Ten Minutes That Could Save Your Life: FREE Oral Cancer Screenings

Did you know that approximately 40,000 Americans were diagnosed with cancers of the neck and head last year? Unfortunately, ma
ny people do not recognize the symptoms of these life-threatening diseases until it is too late. Of theses 40,000 cases only  slightly more than half will be alive in 5years  (Approximately 57%)

Dr. Erik Mendelsohn and his team at Serenity Smile Designs may help detect this often fatal illness while it is still treatable. When Dr. Mendelsohn and the hygienist perform routine checkups, among the things they’re looking for are possible signs of oral cancer.

Adults and tobacco/alcohol users are traditionally considered at greater risk for these types of cancers. However, oral cancer cases are also on the rise in young adults. Recent research indicates that this is partly due to increases in the Human Papillomavirus Virus. HPV-related cancers are particularly harder to detect because these cancers usually occur on the back of the tongue or on the tonsils—all the more reason to get screened regularly.

April is considered “Oral Cancer Awareness Month,” and most dentists throughout South Jersey, including Dr. Mendelsohn, will be offering FREE oral cancer screenings. Everyone in the community is invited!

Serenity Smile Designs’ FREE oral cancer screening event is set to be held on April 26th, 2012 from 10:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. The screening is painless and only takes about ten minutes. No appointment is necessary; patients will be seen on a walk-in basis.

If the above statistics weren’t enough reason, know that the screening is quick, painless and free. And, it’s right around the corner! Given the current state of the economy and rising health care costs, take advantage of the opportunity to benefit from this preventive health measure at no charge by taking ten minutes to do something that could save your life. Early diagnosis and treatment improves outcomes and chances of survival.

Diagnosis 

Diagnosis is the key to catching oral cancer early. It is possible for you to notice changes in your mouth that might prompt you to see your dentist/doctor in between your six month visits to be evaluated. You should schedule an appointment if you start to notice the following symptoms:

  • A sore or lesion that does not heal in two weeks.
  • A lump or thickening of the cheek.
  • A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsil, or lining of the mouth.
  • Difficulty in chewing or swallowing.
  • Difficulty moving your tongue or jaw.
  • Numbness of the tongue or other area of the mouth.
  • Swelling of the jaw that causes your denture to fit poorly or become loose.
  • Chronic hoarseness.
There are other benign causes for these symptoms but you should be checked regularly. At Serenity Smile Designs You will have your oral cancer screening at every checkup visit with the hygienist and Dr. Erik Mendelsohn. A visit to your doctor is a always a good place to start with any medical problem, but remember that your dentist is properly trained to do a an oral cancer screening of your cheeks, lips tongue and oral cavity. At every visit your dentist should perform an evaluation which includesa visual examination of your mouth, nasopahrynx, larynx, and the manual manually feeling the neck and lymph nodes form abnormal or hard masses. Remember to tell your dentist of cancer inducing habits such as chewing tobacco, smoking and even heavy consumption of alchohol. If your dentist notices any suspicious area he will refer you for a biopsy at an oral surgeon or head and neck specialist for review under a microscope.
Our New Jersey based dental practice is located in Egg Harbor Township.
Serenity Smile Designs
4095 English Creek Avenue
Egg Harbor Township
(609) 646-1989

To learn more about Oral Cancer please visit the Oral Cancer Foundation at: www.oralcancerfoundation.org