Why You Should Schedule an Oral Cancer Screening

Visit our clinic for an oral cancer screening. More than 200,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer in the US every year. Typically, people are unaware that they have the condition until receiving a diagnosis by a health professional. Since the dentist is the one who most frequently examines the interior of the mouth, they are naturally the best provider to perform a cancer screening.

This is why we do so in our clinic. We know that early detection and treatment of cancer is important and are doing our part to help patients receive the care they need.

Risk factors

Some people are more at risk for oral cancer than others. This includes anyone who smokes cigarettes or cigars. Also, those who use chewing tobacco are at a greater risk. All tobacco products, regardless of how an individual consumes them, increase the risk of developing oral cancer. Too much alcohol can also increase the risk of oral cancer. Thus, anyone who is a binge drinker or drinks on a daily basis can develop cancer far more easily than someone who only drinks occasionally.

Those who spend too much time in the sun could be diagnosed with oral cancer later on. HPV can also cause oral cancer. Vaccines are being given for some forms of the virus so this is something parents should consider discussing with their child’s doctor.

Symptoms

The symptoms can manifest themselves differently but there are a few that tend to be more common. For example, if a red and white patch or sore develops and does not go away, it could be a sign of oral cancer. Since similar sores can occur after eating something irritating or developing a cold sore, it is wise to schedule an oral cancer screening, rather than immediately assuming that it is cancer.

By conducting a screening, we can either give patients peace of mind that it is not cancerous or refer them to an oncologist for treatment. Other people report feeling a lump in their mouth or throat that does not go away. This is sometimes accompanied by a sore throat that is persistent.

Patients may also develop a sore throat without the lump, but it could still be cancer. Again, a lump or a sore throat can be symbolic of something more minor than cancer. The best way to find out what is causing the condition is to have an oral cancer screening.

Treatment options

Typically, oral cancer treatment will depend on how far the cancer spreads or how advanced the disease is. In some cases, oral surgery is all that is necessary to remove the cancerous cells. Most often, an oncologist will also recommend radiation to ensure that all cancer cells have been eliminated. Occasionally, chemotherapy may also be necessary. The goal is to see a doctor and begin treating the condition as soon as possible so that the cancer cells do not have the opportunity to spread throughout the body.

If you think that you may have oral cancer, or have never been screened, we recommend visiting our clinic for an oral cancer screening.