Oral Cancer Exam
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. Turner. 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.
Contact our office today to schedule an appointment!
North Andover Office
North Andover Office Phone Number 978-975-1233 Email Us
What to Expect
The oral cancer examination is completely painless. Dr. Turner will look for abnormalities and feel the face, glands, and neck for unusual bumps. Lasers may be used to highlight pathologic changes, and can “look” below the surface for spots and lesions invisible to the naked eye. 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. Signs of these will be examined as well. 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. Turner will implement a treatment plan that is right for you. Treatment options vary according to the precise diagnosis, but may include: excision, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
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. Turner can provide you with literature and options about quitting dangerous behaviors such as tobacco use.
The Practice of Dr. Ian Turner
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr Turner was very friendly and easy to talk to. He addressed all of my concerns, and answered all of my questions. I would highly recommend his practice.
- melissa S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Simply an outstanding experience. The staff are professional and courteous, and Dr. Turner was excellent. I can't recommend them highly enough!
- Erik D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
very professional and love how dr doctor and assistant answered all my questions in a detail way , everyone is very kind and friendly in the office
- roberta l
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Turner and his staff have changed my life. I went from really bad gums and bad breath to a healthy mouth! So happy with my results!
- Karen T
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
very good
- jacqueline s
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Turner did a wonderful job with a dental implant following a less than satisfying experience with another office. I also switched to this office for dental hygiene and am very happy overall. The staff has always been very professional and friendly. I would definitely recommend Dr. Turner to others.
- Kevin D
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Turner is great - I would refer him to anyone looking for a periodontist. Andrea is also extremely kind and warm - a pleasure to be around.
- Ryan S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Great experience overall
- Alison C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I really appreciate Dr. Tuners knowledge and understanding of his work. I felt very informed of what needed to be done and what to expect with every procedure. I appreciate his honesty on any questions or concerns I may have had during treatment/after care. He was always on call when needed and I highly recommend this office. Great overall experience for those never about dental work.
- Ashley J
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Doctor explained procedure and options especially well and answered all quwstion
- Marsha P
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
I enjoyed my experience for this procedure. I liked the personal attention I received as a patient and also as an individual. Should I need continued work or other work performed I would not hesitate to create a plan with Dr. Turner.
- Kenny B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Thank you so much for putting my mind at ease during the entire implant process. Everything was very well explained and Dr. Turner and his entire staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful.
- Katie C
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
EXCELLENT
- RICHARD H
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
The changes in the staff have made a huge difference in the pleasure of visits.
- Christine B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Wonderful office, friendly and professional. following covid protocol to protect staff and patients alike.
- ANDREA K
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Very grateful to have you guys. Halted my bone loss. Gum graft was recommended when necessary and was a far superior option to what was recommended by my other periodontist. Gums are back on track now.
- Andrew M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr.Turner is a brilliant and highly skilled Periodontist. He and his staff are extremely attentive, patient and willing to answer questions and explain procedure details and protocol. Thank you.
- Sandra B
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
Dr. Turner is so nice. And, the staffs are nice, too.
- Angela S
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
It is so comforting to be cared for by someone as competent as Dr. Turner. His staff reflects his dedication to great care as well.
- Alan M
Our Latest Patient Testimonial
This has been a very positive experience
- SARA F