How to Prepare for Your First Oral Cancer Visit
Preparing for your first visit to an oral cancer specialist can help ensure a smooth and productive experience. Here’s how to get ready:
1. Gather Your Medical Records
- Bring any relevant medical and dental history, including:
- Results of previous biopsies or imaging tests.
- Notes or referrals from your primary care physician or dentist.
- A list of any current medications, including dosages.
2. Prepare a List of Symptoms
- Write down any symptoms you’ve been experiencing, such as:
- Mouth sores, pain, or lumps.
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or speaking.
- Any changes in your oral health or overall well-being.
3. Note Your Risk Factors
- Be ready to discuss lifestyle factors that may contribute to your risk, such as:
- Tobacco or alcohol use.
- History of HPV
- Prolonged sun exposure/Tanning bed use.
- Family history of oral cancer or other cancers.
4. Bring Your Insurance Information
- Please bring your medical and dental insurance cards.
- If you’re unsure about coverage, contact your insurance provider in advance.
- Here is a list of accepted medical and dental insurance plans
5. Write Down Questions
- Prepare questions or concerns you’d like to address, such as:
- “What tests will I need?”
- “What are the next steps if oral cancer is diagnosed?”
- “What caused the cancer to develop?”
- “What changes can I make to minimize the symptoms?”
- “Are there treatment options available if a tumor is found?”
6. Plan for Extra Time
- Your first visit may involve a thorough examination and possible diagnostic tests.
- Arrive early to complete any necessary paperwork and get settled.
7. Bring a Support Person
- Consider bringing a trusted friend or family member for emotional support and to help remember the information provided during your visit.
8. Follow Pre-Appointment Instructions
- If the office provided specific instructions (e.g., fasting for tests), be sure to follow them.
We look forward to caring for you at the Oral Cancer Institute.
Our goal is to provide you with the best care possible while making you feel at ease.
Your first visit will be a consultation and assessment of your case, including a review of information provided by your referring provider. A biopsy may be necessary depending on the condition. Furthermore, additional imaging including CT scans, MRI or PET scans maybe necessary to help with providing a full evaluation and coming up with a definitive treatment plan. If applicable, please bring with you copies of outside records, biopsy results, and copies of x-rays or CT scans. Your surgeon will discuss your diagnosis, explain procedures, and create a treatment plan that best fits your individual needs. Patients with malignant conditions will be presented before a multidisciplinary tumor board for discussion and consensus. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment options will be discussed including surgical and non-surgical options. Located on Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical (AIMMC) campus, major surgical procedures are performed at AIMMC. Any questions you may have will be addressed at this time.
All patients under the age of 18 need to be accompanied by their parents or legal guardian.
Please bring the following items with you to your first visit.
- Your medical insurance card
- A written referral or x-rays, if your referring provider has provided them
- A list of your current medications