According to the American Cancer Society, over 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year, with over 7000 of these cases resulting in the death of the patient. Fortunately, oral cancer can be diagnosed with an annual cancer exam provided by Dr. Brooks. If caught early, oral cancer can be effectively treated.
Oral cancer is a pathologic process, which begins by producing no symptoms making it hard to recognize without an exam. There are many types of oral cancer, including teratoma, adenocarcinoma and melanoma. The most common form of oral cancer is malignant squamous cell carcinoma, which typically originates in the lip and mouth tissue. There are many other places in which oral cancers occur, including: the tongue, salivary glands, throat, gums, and face.
The oral cancer examination is completely painless. Dr. Brooks will look for abnormalities and feel the face, glands, and neck for unusual bumps. Some of the signs that will be investigated are red patches and sores. Red patches on the floor of the mouth, or the front of the tongue, and bleeding sores which fail to heal easier, can be indicative of cancerous changes. Leukoplakia is a hardened white or gray, slightly raised lesion that can appear inside the mouth, and may be cancerous. Finally, soreness, lumps or the general thickening of tissue anywhere in the throat or mouth can signal pathologic signs, and will be examined.If abnormalities, lesions, lumps, or leukoplakia are apparent, Dr. Brooks will implement a treatment plan that is right for you.
It is also important to note that over 75% of oral cancers are linked with avoidable behaviors such as smoking, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption. Dr. Brooks can provide you with literature and options about quitting dangerous behaviors such as tobacco use.
home | patient information | periodontal disease | services | referring doctors | meet us | contact us | sitemap | disclaimer
Serving The Following Pennsylvania Cities:
Newtown PA • Doylestown/Buckingham PA • Warrington PA • Upper & Lower Southampton PA • Warminster PA • Langhorne PA
Yardley/Morrisville PA • Feasterville/Trevose PA • Bensalem PA • Hatboro/Horsham PA • Willow Grove PA • Levittown PA
Chalfont PA • Abington PA • Cheltenham PA • Elkins Park PA
Address: 832 Second Street Pike • Richboro, PA 18954 • Phone: 215-953-1717
Periodontics Website Designby PBHS 2010©