Cancer Screening at All Coast Dental
Dr. Joseph Boulos and Dr. Julie Boulos are seasoned leaders in state-of-the-art dentistry at All Coast Dental, located at 2180 Garnet Avenue, Suite 1-K Pacific Beach, CA.
Our doctors explain the importance of an annual oral cancer screening, one of the many services our doctors stress most to their patients. Read on to become informed patients regarding screening for cancer.
Oral Cancer
Drs. Boulos at All Coast Dental, located at 2180 Garnet Avenue, Suite 1-K Pacific Beach, CA, explains that oral cancer comes in many forms. Cancer is discovered through oral cancer screenings. Never assume that you have oral cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Possible Oral Cancer
- White or red patches in the mouth
- A mixture of white and red patches
- Oral ulcers or sores that do not heal
- Abnormal thickening of oral tissue
- Masses or lumps
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
- Questionable numbness
- Chronic sore throat
- Chronic hoarseness
- Difficult chewing or swallowing
For example, you could have a geographic tongue that typically displays white patches over the tongue's surface. A geographic tongue is pesky and annoying at most but can mimic cancer symptoms. So never self-diagnose what you find; let the doctor diagnose correctly and devise a treatment plan for you.
Treatment
Treatment begins with a monthly self-exam and an annual exam by these doctors. The doctor may biopsy the area before devising a treatment plan.
Prevention is the Best Cure
It is wise to perform a self-exam every month.
- It is best if you have a bright light and a mirror.
- Remove any partial or complete dentures.
- Inspect the roof of your mouth, cheeks, tongue, and gums.
- Gently examine the lymph nodes at both sides of the neck and jaw.
It can be scary if you find an unusual lump or swelling. However, you need to make an immediate appointment with this doctor to examine the area of concern. Never anticipate the worse or make up your mind that you have cancer. Prevention means striving for early detection and treatment with a full recovery.
Call Our Doctors Today for Your Annual Cancer Screening
It is best to call us today for that vital screening and put your worries at rest when the doctor tells you that you have no indications of cancer.
Drs. Boulos, seasoned leaders in state-of-the-art dentistry at All Coast Dental, located at 2180 Garnet Avenue, Suite 1-K Pacific Beach, California, stress to their patients the importance of yearly oral cancer screenings. Call 858-270-4904 today for this vital oral exam.
All Coast Dental is a family-owned general and cosmetic dentistry clinic in the Heart of Pacific Beach. Our clinic serves Pacific Beach, San Diego, Clairemont, and La Jolla, California.