Life-Saving Oral Cancer Screenings Now Available In Miami

Gallardo & Lamas Periodontics and Implant Dentistry offer patients screenings for early detection of oral cancer.

Miami, FL (PRWEB) - Gallardo & Lamas Periodontics and Implant Dentistry is saving lives by providing oral cancer screenings for their patients at their Miami dental office. Easily detectible, when oral cancer is caught early, it has a high survival rate. John Paul Gallardo, DDS, PA and William P. Lamas DMD, MS are among a small group of dental specialists in the country that provide this important screening.

Oral cancer is one of the easiest cancers to identify during an early screening exam. The cancer is often preceded by an easily identifiable lesion in the mouth, making it simple to diagnose in its stage I or stage II form. The sixth most common cancer, more than 43,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. When caught late, however, oral cancer is deadly, with over 8,000 deaths in 2015.

“Taking a minute or two to have your dentist perform an oral cancer screening can save patient not just an invasive procedure leading to possible disfigurement later down the road, but also their life,” said Dr. Gallardo.

Symptoms of oral cancer develop early and can be noticeable. Early warning signs include swelling, lumps or rough patches in the mouth, loss of feeling in mouth area, chronic throat hoarseness, feeling constant ‘lump’ in the throat and ear pain, among many others. While those that smoke or drink heavily are at an elevated risk, anyone experiencing unusual sores or symptoms in the mouth or throat is encouraged to seek medical evaluation immediately.

Screening for oral cancer at the office of Drs. Gallardo and Lamas is quick and pain-free. The evaluation takes less than five minutes. During the exam, the doctor will look for abnormalities, tenderness, and discolored areas. Using cutting-edge, oral fluorescence technology, referred to as the OralID, Dr. Gallardo and Dr. Lamas employ a unique blue light to identify the pre-cancerous lesions at their earliest stage.

Regular dental care and screenings are the best way to catch cancer early. Maureen Howes, RDH, MS states, "If oral cancer is detected early (in stages one or two), the survival rate is 80% to 90%; but when found as a later stage (stages three or four), the chances of survival drop to 20% to 30%." Even for those patients without a history of cancer or known high risks, routine checks are imperative.

When abnormalities are detected during the oral cancer screening, Dr. Gallardo and Dr. Lamas will consult with additional medical professionals to determine the right course of treatment. Not all irregularities are cancerous, so a multidisciplinary team will further evaluate the issue to identify the cause and restore a healthy mouth.

Founded in 1994 by Dr. John Paul Gallardo, Gallardo & Lamas Periodontics and Implant Dentistry is dedicated to providing patients thorough treatments in a state-of-the-art, relaxing environment. Their innovative services include dental implants, gum treatments, oral surgery, sedation dentistry and oral DNA testing.

For additional information on oral cancer or to schedule a consultation, please contact the office at (305) 447-1447 or visit http://www.miamiperio.com.