News
Results of Free Oral Cancer Screenings
April 19, 2012
Among the people who took advantage of the free oral cancer screenings offered by Phillips & Schmitt DDS on April 19, one person was referred to a specialist for a biopsy to a suspicious area on the tongue, highlighting the necessity to catch oral cancer early.
The screenings, which were part of April's nationwide Oral Cancer Awareness Month, consisted of visual examinations with magnification. This catches some of the most common early signs of oral cancer, including mouth sores that won't heal, white or red patches in the mouth, and lumps and swelling in the cheek or jaw.
"As with any cancer, early detection of oral cancer greatly improves the chances for survival," said Dr. Douglas Phillips, DDS. "When caught early, oral cancer has a survival rate of up to 90 percent.
Each year, nearly 40,000 Americans are diagnosed with cancer of the mouth or larynx, with the diseases claiming more than 8,000 lives annually.
"However, the death rate with this cancer is particularly high because it's usually not diagnosed until it has metastasized to another location, most often the lymph nodes," he added. "That's because in its early stages, oral cancer often produced little or no pain or other symptoms that would make the victim take note."
Drs. Phillips and Schmitt offer the following tips for reducing your chances of oral cancer:
- Stop smoking: According to a study by the University ofCalifornia, San Francisco, more than eight out of 10 oral cancer patients are smokers.
- Reduce alcohol intake: Alcohol abuse is the second leadingcause of oral cancer. The risk is greater for those who both drink and smoke.
- Get vaccinated against the human papilloma virus version 16:In addition to causing cervical cancer in women, HPV-16 is responsible for the vast majority of HPV-related oral cancers in both men and women.
Free Oral Cancer Screenings April 19
April 4, 2012
In an effort to raise awareness about the dangers of oral cancer, the dental practice of Phillips & Schmitt DDS is holding free screenings from 12 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 19. The screenings, which are part of April's nationwide Oral Cancer Awareness Month, will be held at the practice, which is located at 1111 Hendersonville Rd. The tests are open to the public, and appointments may be made by calling (828) 254-1944.
Each year, nearly 40,000 Americans are diagnosed with cancer of the mouth or larynx, with the diseases claiming more than 8,000 lives annually.
"As with any cancer, early detection of oral cancer greatly improves the chances for survival," said Dr. Douglas Phillips, DDS. "When caught early, oral cancer has a survival rate of up to 90 percent.
"However, the death rate with this cancer is particularly high because it's usually not diagnosed until it has metastasized to another location, most often the lymph nodes," he added. "That's because in its early stages, oral cancer often produces little or no pain or other symptoms that would make the victim take note."
Phillips stressed that oral cancer can be easy to catch with annual screenings. The tests offered at Phillips & Schmitt on April 19 will consist of a visual examination with magnification. This examination will catch some of the most common early signs of oral cancer, including mouth sores that won't heal, white or red patches in the mouth, and lumps and swelling in the cheek or jaw.
Drs. Phillips and Schmitt offer the following tips for reducing your chances of oral cancer:
- Stop smoking: According to a study by the University of California, San Francisco, more than eight out of 10 oral cancer patients are smokers.
- Reduce alcohol intake: Alcohol abuse is the second leading cause of oral cancer. The risk is greater for those who both drink and smoke.
- Get vaccinated against the human papilloma virus version 16: In addition to causing cervical cancer in women, HPV-16 is responsible for the vast majority of HPV-related oral cancers in both men and women.
Click here to download a PDF with more information about the leading causes of oral cancer. (You'll need the free Adobe Reader to view the file.)
For more information on the free oral cancer screenings, call Phillips & Schmitt DDS at (828) 254-1944.
Phillips & Schmitt, DDS, Moves to Hendersonville Road
July 25, 2011
ASHEVILLE, N.C. - The office of Dr. Douglas Phillips and Dr. Donald Schmitt, DDS, MSD has moved from Executive Park in Downtown Asheville to 1111 Hendersonville Road.
Phillips & Schmitt, DDS is a restorative dental practice with Dr. Phillips focusing on advanced restorative, cosmetic, general dentistry, and dental sleep medicine and Dr. Schmitt, who is one of the area's only prosthodontists, focusing on prosthodontics and complex restorative care. Both doctors have advanced training and credentials in the very latest dental techniques and technologies, and use their collective expertise to effectively provide preventative care and solve complex dental issues.
