Every year, over 54,000 Americans receive oral and oropharyngeal cancer diagnoses, yet many cases remain undetected until reaching advanced stages when treatment becomes more complex and outcomes less favorable. At Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly Dental Clinic, Drs. Greggory Tharp, Keith Klaus, and Martin Kelly believe in the life-saving power of preventive screening to identify oral cancer early. Our experienced dental team in Flowood incorporates thorough oral cancer examinations into every routine visit, providing patients throughout Jackson, Pearl, and Brandon with comprehensive screening that could save their lives.
Don’t delay this critical health assessment. Schedule your oral cancer screening today by calling 601-939-4100.
At Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly Dental Clinic, our commitment to comprehensive oral health extends beyond routine dental care to include life-saving cancer detection services. Dr. Tharp’s specialty certification in Prosthodontics and Maxillofacial Prosthetics, combined with Dr. Kelly’s award in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and our team’s extensive experience, provides patients with diagnostic expertise that goes far beyond standard dental examinations.
Our state-of-the-art facility on Flowood Drive features the latest diagnostic technology, including advanced imaging systems with CBCT, intraoral scanners, and specialized screening equipment that enhance our ability to detect suspicious lesions in their earliest stages. This technology, combined with our doctors’ clinical expertise and in-house lab capabilities, provides patients with the most thorough oral cancer screening available in the Flowood area.
We understand that cancer screenings can cause anxiety, which is why our compassionate team creates a supportive environment where patients feel informed and comfortable throughout the process. Our patient-centered approach includes clear communication about findings and immediate coordination with specialists when further evaluation is needed.
Oral cancer screening is a systematic examination performed by qualified dental professionals to identify malignant or pre-malignant lesions within the oral cavity and surrounding tissues before they progress to life-threatening stages. Unlike other cancers that may require specialized testing facilities, oral cancer screenings can be seamlessly integrated into routine dental examinations, making this life-saving prevention both convenient and accessible.
The American Cancer Society emphasizes that regular oral cancer screening serves as an early warning system that can detect abnormal tissue changes months or years before they become symptomatic. This early detection window represents the difference between highly treatable early-stage disease and advanced cancer that may require extensive treatment with uncertain outcomes.
Modern oral cancer detection utilizes multiple screening approaches to maximize early detection success:
Our thorough screening protocol ensures no potentially dangerous areas are overlooked during routine dental exams:
While oral cancer can affect anyone, certain individuals face elevated risks requiring more frequent monitoring:
Previous Cancer Survivors – Patients with personal histories of any cancer type face elevated risks for developing secondary oral cancers, making regular screening critically important.
During consultation, our doctors evaluate individual risk profiles to determine appropriate screening frequencies and protocols that provide optimal protection based on specific circumstances and medical history.
Regular oral cancer screening at Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly provides numerous advantages that extend far beyond simple peace of mind:
Understanding oral cancer warning signs helps you recognize when to seek immediate professional evaluation between scheduled screenings.
Unexplained Bleeding – Oral bleeding without trauma or apparent cause requires professional investigation to rule out malignant processes.
While not all oral cancers are preventable, significant risk reduction is possible through lifestyle modifications and professional care:
Healthy Diet – Consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables provides antioxidants that may help protect against cancer development while supporting overall health.
Regular dental visits that include oral cancer screening provide ongoing monitoring that catches problems early when treatment outcomes are most favorable. Professional cleanings and oral health maintenance support overall tissue health and may reduce cancer risk.
Prompt evaluation of any concerning oral changes, even those that seem minor, allows for early intervention that can prevent progression to malignancy or catch cancer in its most treatable stages.
Most adults should receive annual oral cancer screenings as part of routine dental care at our Flowood office. High-risk patients, including tobacco users, heavy alcohol consumers, or those with previous cancer history, may benefit from more frequent screenings every six months. Drs. Tharp, Klaus, and Kelly evaluate individual risk factors to determine appropriate screening schedules tailored to your specific situation.
If concerning tissue changes are identified, your dentist will discuss findings with you thoroughly and coordinate immediate referral to appropriate specialists for further evaluation. This may include biopsy procedures or additional imaging studies to determine the exact nature of suspicious areas. Our team will guide you through every step of the process and ensure you receive timely, appropriate care.
High-risk individuals include tobacco users, heavy alcohol consumers, people with HPV infections, those with significant sun exposure history, men over 45, and individuals with personal or family cancer histories. However, oral cancer can affect anyone regardless of risk factors, making regular screening important for all adults. We evaluate each patient’s individual risk profile during consultations.
Contact our Flowood office immediately at 601-939-4100 if you notice persistent mouth sores lasting more than two weeks, white or red patches, unexplained bleeding, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, numbness, or swollen lymph nodes. Early reporting of symptoms significantly improves treatment outcomes. Never dismiss persistent changes as minor issues—professional evaluation provides peace of mind and potentially life-saving early detection.
Oral cancer screening is completely painless and requires no special preparation. The examination involves visual inspection and gentle palpation of oral tissues and neck lymph nodes. Most screenings take just a few minutes during your regular dental appointment. There’s no need to fast, avoid certain foods, or make any special preparations—just arrive for your scheduled appointment as you normally would.
Your health represents our highest priority, and your confidence in our care drives our commitment to excellence. Our comprehensive screening approach combines advanced technology with clinical expertise to provide the thorough evaluation that gives you peace of mind and protection against this serious disease. At Tharp, Klaus, & Kelly Dental Clinic, we’re committed to your long-term health and well-being, providing the care that protects you and your family from the devastating effects of undetected oral cancer.
Contact our Flowood dental office today at 601-939-4100 to schedule your oral cancer screening. Drs. Tharp, Klaus, and Kelly serve patients from Jackson, Pearl, Brandon, Florence, Canton, and throughout central Mississippi with the exceptional diagnostic care that could save your life. Don’t wait—early detection makes all the difference.
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