Early Detection Saves Lives
Oral cancer is among the most treatable cancers when caught early, yet it remains one of the most underdiagnosed. At Strull Oral Surgery, we take oral cancer screening seriously, because a thorough examination today can make all the difference tomorrow. Our team serves patients at our locations in Louisville, KY and Seymour, IN, and we are committed to protecting your long-term health.
What Is Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screening is a visual and physical examination of the mouth, lips, tongue, throat, and surrounding tissues to identify any areas that look or feel abnormal. Unusual sores or lumps may be completely harmless, but in some cases they may indicate a pre-cancerous or cancerous condition. A quick and painless screening could lead to early detection and better outcomes.
Who Should Be Screened?
Anyone can develop oral cancer, but certain factors increase your risk:
- Tobacco use of any kind (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and chewing tobacco)
- Heavy or frequent alcohol consumption
- Prolonged sun exposure
- A previous oral cancer diagnosis
- Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV)
- A family history of oral cancer
- Age, as risk increases after 40
Even patients with none of these risk factors should consider oral cancer screening, as a significant number of cases occur in people with no obvious risk profile.
What Happens If Something Looks Abnormal?
Finding an unusual lesion during an exam does not mean you have cancer. Many abnormalities are entirely benign. However, the only way to know for certain is through a biopsy. As oral surgeons, we are uniquely qualified to evaluate suspicious lesions and perform biopsies in-office when indicated.
During a biopsy, a small sample of tissue is taken from the area of concern and sent to a pathology lab for analysis. The results tell us definitively whether the tissue is normal, pre-cancerous, or malignant, and guide any next steps in your care. Our team will walk you through the process, explain what to expect, and make sure you have the information you need at every stage.
Schedule an Appointment
Our goal is to see you at the best time for your schedule. Many times we can do an initial evaluation and procedure on the same day.
