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Living With Cancer: Do you need oral cancer screening?
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Oral cancer screening
Oral cancer screening is an examination performed by a dentist or other health care provider to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in your mouth. Oral cancer screening detects mouth cancer or precancerous lesions that may lead to mouth cancer at an early stage, which is when cancer or lesions are easiest to remove and most likely to be cured. Medical organizations disagree on whether healthy people without risk factors for mouth cancer need oral cancer screening, though. People with a high risk of oral cancer may be more likely to benefit from oral cancer screening, but studies haven't clearly proven that. Learn more about oral cancer screening and whether it might be right for you.
Treating mouth cancer
Once your health care provider has diagnosed your mouth cancer and determined the stage, he or she will discuss treatment with you. Treatment for mouth cancer depends on the location and stage, as well as your overall health and personal preferences. Treatment may include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy — alone or in combination. Learn more about the treatment options for mouth cancer.
Integrative medicine: Alternative becomes mainstream
Complementary medicine has never been more popular. Nearly 30 percent of adults report using complementary and alternative medicine. Health care providers are embracing these therapies, too, often combining them with mainstream medical therapies. The combination is called "integrative medicine." From herbal remedies and dietary supplements to ancient healing systems and mind-body techniques, learn more about complementary and alternative medicine.
