At a routine dental visit, we can help detect signs of oral cancer with an oral cancer screening. While most people do not schedule an appointment with their dentist to determine if they have oral cancer, it is possible for a dentist to notice the signs early. Oral cancer impacts more than 30,000 individuals every single year. Unfortunately, oral cancer is difficult to treat after it advances. The 5-year survival rate is merely 50 percent.
Thus, early detection of oral cancer is essential to preventing its growth. This is precisely why everyone should visit the dentist at least two times per year and undergo a screening for oral cancer.
During the oral cancer screening, the dentist examines the patient's tongue, mouth and nearby tissue for signs of cancer and other abnormalities. This screening is much more than a superficial scanning of the mouth. The dentist closely examines and feels the face, mouth, lips, tongue, neck, salivary glands, thyroid gland and lymph nodes. A patient who has dentures or partials will need to take them out in order to analyze the full mouth.
In some instances, additional testing is necessary to identify pre-cancerous lesions and cancerous lesions. This testing often makes use of special lights. It is imperative to identify pre-cancerous lesions and cancerous lesions as early as possible to initiate a treatment program.
Those who smoke, drink alcohol and/or use smokeless tobacco, face an especially high risk for the development of oral cancer. However, this is not to say those who do not smoke or drink should avoid going to the dentist and/or receiving basic oral cancer screenings during a checkup. People of all ages and lifestyles are at risk for oral cancer. In recent years, there has been an increase in oral cancer amongst young individuals.
This increase has proven true for young people who do not smoke and/or drink. This is attributed to the the spike in human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted virus known to spur cancer of the oral cavity as well as the vulva, cervix, vagina, penis and anus. It is also important to note those who have no such risk factors are also diagnosed with oral cancer. Therefore, screening is recommended for every single person.
If you suspect you have oral cancer, you should immediately report the symptoms to your dentist or another healthcare provider. It is possible that these symptoms can be caused by benign (non-cancerous) conditions yet you should still take a trip to the dentist for a thorough analysis.
Oral health experts agree routine dental exams are the best way to detect oral cancer as soon as possible. Dentists really do have the main role in the detection of oral cancer as they work closely with the mouth. So don't assume your trip to the dentist will simply spot cavities, gum disease and clean your teeth. It just might save your life.
Oral cancer is described as one of the deadliest types of cancer. It is a deadly health condition with one of the highest mortality rates in the world. Men are more at risk of this cancer than women. Worse still, the risk increases with age. If you have been previously diagnosed with neck or head…
Despite the prevalence of gum disease, not every patient is aware of the risks and implications of this condition. By acquiring enough information about this ailment, you will be able to take the appropriate measures to curb and prevent its occurrence.In this article, you will learn about the important facts everyone needs to know about…
To avoid gum disease it is important to know what the causes and symptoms of the condition are. Since gum disease can lead to tooth loss along with other oral health problems, it is wise to take preventative measures to avoid the condition in the first place. This can prevent discomfort, save time, money and…
Flossing is a big part of preventive dentistry. It removes plaques, makes teeth less likely to decay and also reduces the risk of gum disease. You need to clean between your teeth every day, according to the American Dental Association. This can be difficult if you do not know what to do. Follow some tips…
Want to know what symptoms are associated with TMJ? Many symptoms are linked to this commonly diagnosed jaw-related disorder, including jaw pain. However, other symptoms are important to be aware of as they can help the general dentist make a diagnosis and treatment plan. Many are surprised to learn that a general dentist can diagnose and…
Lumineers® give you a less invasive way to transform your smile than conventional veneers. A veneer is a tooth-shaped cover that is cemented on the front part of teeth. It serves as a mask, hiding any flaws on the front of your teeth.Placing conventional veneers on teeth requires removing portions of enamel from the patient’s…