Oral Cancer
Early Diagnosis Can Save Lives
According to research conducted by the American Cancer society, more than 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. The good news is that oral cancer can easily be diagnosed with an annual oral cancer exam, and effectively treated when caught in its earliest stages.
Oral cancer is a pathologic process which begins with an asymptomatic stage during which the usual cancer signs may not be readily noticeable. This makes the oral cancer examinations performed by Dr. Latthe critically important. Oral cancers can be of varied histologic types. The most common type of oral cancer is the malignant squamous cell carcinoma.
There are many different places in the oral cavity and maxillofacial region in which oral cancers commonly occur, including:
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Lips
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Mouth
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Tongue
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Salivary Glands
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Oropharyngeal Region (throat)
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Gums
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Face
Reasons for oral cancer examinations
It is important to note that around 75 percent of oral cancers are linked with modifiable behaviors such as smoking, tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption. Dr. Latthe can provide literature and education on making lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation.
When oral cancer is diagnosed in its earliest stages, treatment is generally very effective. Any noticeable abnormalities in the tongue, gums, mouth or surrounding area should be evaluated by Dr. Latthe as quickly as possible. During the oral cancer exam Dr. Latthe will be scrutinizing the maxillofacial and oral regions carefully for signs of pathologic changes.
The following signs will be investigated during a routine oral cancer exam:
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Red patches and sores – Red patches on the floor of the mouth, the front and sides of the tongue, white or pink patches which fail to heal and slow healing sores that bleed easily can be indicative of pathologic changes.
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Leukoplakia – A white or gray line or striations in the mouth. It can be a slightly raised lesion that can appear anywhere inside the mouth. Leukoplakia can be a pre-cancerous sign. If left untreated it may become cancerous.
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Lumps – Soreness and lumps in the head and neck region can signal a problem. Do not ignore these signs.
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Oral cancer exams, diagnosis and treatment
The oral cancer examination is a completely painless process. During the visual part of the examination, Dr. Latthe will look for abnormalities and feel the face, glands and neck for unusual bumps.
If abnormalities, lesions, leukoplakia or lumps are apparent, Dr. Latthe will make the appropriate referral and will assist you throughout your treatments. Treatment methods vary according to the precise diagnosis
During bi-annual check-ups Dr. Latthe will thoroughly look for changes and lesions in the mouth. A dedicated comprehensive oral cancer screening should be performed at least once each year.
If you have any questions or concerns about oral cancer, please call our office to schedule an examination appointment.
Are you ready to smile with confidence?
Dr. Latthe’s education, experience, and commitment to comprehensive care translates to compassionate, personalized, and professional dental experiences for all our patients.Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
The Woodlands Prosthodontics
Patient Review by Karen H
I had teeth straightening, cleaning, whitening and I am very pleased with the results. Thank you Dr Latteh!
- Karen H
Patient Review by Richard H
I have had several procedures, an implant, extraction and dentures. I am very pleased with the care, attention, and excellent dental care from Dr Latteh.
- Richard H
Patient Review by Gorden G
I had lost a filling and contacted the office. Dottie was so nice and understanding and was able to get me an appointment in the same week!!
- Gorden G
Patient Review by Marjory B
I had bad experiences with Dentists in the past. When I called and spoke with Dottie, I knew that I had found the perfect Dentist because she really cared and assured me that Dr. Latthe was awesome. Upon meeting Dr. Latthe and seeing the amazing work he did gave me my smile back. He truly cares about his patients and does beautiful work!
- Marjory B
Patient Review by Dena R
I have had a great ongoing experience with Dr Latthe, Dottie and the rest of the team. I moved from out of state and arrived at their office with complications. I was carefully walked through my options and answered all of my questions, so I was confident in the treatment plan. As I shared, I had a complication and Dr Latthe referred me to another dentist that could handle a different issue. But they didn’t stop there, they not only called the new office, helped me set the appt and sent my insurance paperwork so it was a seamless and easy thing for me. I have been working with this team the last couple of months, and every appointment is the same, everyone in the office is kind, I feel good about what we are doing and I am confident in the services provided. And perhaps you will be lucky enough to meet the cutest puppers, Chloe, who I would suggest be the office mascot Don’t hesitate, you will be in good hands.
- Dena R
Patient Review by Christina F
I can honestly say that this has been the best dental experience of my life and there have been many. Dr. Latthe and Dottie made a very traumatic experience for me more comfortable and easy. The patience and care exhibited during the procedure and after was simply amazing and the results were remarkable. I literally cried when I looked in the mirror for the first time, tears of joy. I want to personally thank both of these wonderful people for changing my life.
- Christina F
Patient Review by Julia P
Going to the dentist is never fun but coming here, I actually look forward to my appointments! Dr. Latthe is an amazing and kind dentist, Alma & Dottie are downright fabulous! I appreciate Dr. Latthe and his staff, as they have not only shown outstanding professionalism but more empathy and compassion than I’ve ever experienced anywhere else. I highly recommend coming here!
- Julia P
Patient Review by sheila 0
Wish we had found this group sooner
- sheila 0
Patient Review by Melanie B
Of course i was afraid of the dentist. Dr.V talk me through the whole process.He asked me questions to made sure that I was comfortable with step that he tooth while extracting a tooth that was barely there. Needless to say,but I am no longer afraid to go to the dentist. Thank you so very much Dr. Vaibhav Latthe for taking my pain away and making me so very comfortable. Your bed side manner is truly reassuring for scary cats like me.I would recommend you again and again,You're the BEST!Great Job. Sincerely Melanie Bell
- Melanie B
Patient Review by David R
It has been a long process. Everyone always had their smile on. Very easy to work with.
- David R
Patient Review by Debra N
Couldn't be happier with the customer service and care this office provides to me and my family!
- Debra N
Patient Review by Jen R
Jennifer R. Jennifer R. The Woodlands, TX 9 friends 9 reviews 2 photos Share review Embed review Compliment Send message Follow Jennifer R. 5.0 star rating 4/5/2019 First to Review I can't say enough great things about Doc, Alma and Dottie! Always personable, caring and they make going to the dentist a fun trip! I look forward to seeing all 3 of them honestly! Moving here from the MW I was worried about finding a dentist. I have been able to not only find a dentist, I have gotten Invisalign, teeth whitening and fixing my front teeth from grinding them.
- Jen R
Patient Review by Rebecca G
I can not explain the exceptional care and outcome that I experienced. Dr. Lathe and his staff are above and beyond wonderful.
- Rebecca G
Patient Review by Joy J
Dr. Lathe is the best! I would highly recommend him. Staff is wonderful too!!
- Joy J
Patient Review by Jennifer R
I can’t say enough great things about Doc, Alma and Dottie! Always personable, caring and they make going to the dentist a fun trip! I look forward to seeing all 3 of them honestly 🙂
- Jennifer R
Patient Review by Joy J
Love Dr. Latthe! Professional, caring and attentive staff. I would highly recommend Dr. Latthe! I had my dentures done and have had so many compliments on how real they look! They were done so well, I haven't had any adjustments done yet and it has been over a year!
- Joy J
Patient Review by Gopal M
I got a night guard also sometime back for my snoring problem and it is the best ever. I have had a very good experience always and am glad we have such a young and excellent doctor with good staff to serve the woodlands community
- Gopal M
Patient Review by Dianna L
Excellent
- Dianna L
Patient Review by Edna S
Everyone was so nice & friendly. Best of care ever
- Edna S
Patient Review by Ray R
We are moving out of the area. But we will gladly make the almost 2 hour drive back to this office for our family's continued care. Dr. Latthe will be our doctor for as long as he's in business.
- Ray R