An oral cancer screening, along with practicing proper oral hygiene, can help protect you from developing certain types of mouth cancer. This type of cancer is relatively common, and according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, affects over 50,000 people a year. The same report notes that men are more commonly diagnosed than women. Individuals considering a screening likely want to know what to expect, how the screening works and how often to schedule such a screening.
Oral cancer can occur almost anywhere inside or around the mouth. Early stages of this type of cancer may be asymptomatic, so a dentist may look in several areas during the screening:
A dentist may perform additional screenings on patients who have high risk factors for this type of cancer, including tobacco use, a past history of cancer and daily alcohol usage. There may also be a genetic component, as some inherited blood diseases, like anemia, may increase the risk of oral cancer and its symptoms.
Some forms of mouth cancer may be symptomatic, so it is important that at-risk individuals learn to spot the signs of a possible problem. Symptoms include canker sores or other mouth lesions that do not heal or heal and then return, discoloration on the gums or tongue and pain while chewing and swallowing. Individuals who experience these symptoms may want to have a screening as soon as possible.
Those with low risk factors for cancer can visit a dentist once a year and have an oral cancer screening to ensure its absence. However, individuals with a higher risk may want to schedule a visit up to three times a year. Because risk can vary from person to person, a dentist can explain patients’ risk factors and their approximate odds of getting oral cancer.
Individuals who visit a dentist for a basic checkup may be told a cancer screening will be part of the appointment. This exam only takes a few moments and does not usually require any type of machinery or dental tools. During the preliminary exam, the dentist will use his or her fingers to feel for unusual lumps or growths around the jaw, If any abnormalities are found, a more in-depth test may be ordered.
A secondary screening may include the use of a nontoxic blue dye that patients rinse with beforehand. Once the dye is set, it highlights any abnormal cells that might not be visible otherwise. If such cells are found, the dentist or a head and neck doctor may take a biopsy to determine if the sample is malignant. Affected individuals typically then receive specific instructions from that doctor about having the tumors or abnormal cells removed.
An oral cancer screening can prevent the spread of malignant cells when caught early. This screening, along with regular oral care, can help people remain healthy while protecting their smiles.
Are you considering an oral cancer screening in the Coral Gables area? Get more information at https://www.gablesexceptionaldentistry.com.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Oral Cancer Screening in Coral Gables, FL.
A general dentist professional would be the most obvious choice of people to go to get an oral cancer screening. Because your dentist has most likely seen you before, they will be able to screen your mouth without any issue.Since a lot of people are not educated on oral cancer screenings, the most common questions…
Mouth cancer is a serious disease that affects millions of people. Fortunately, the chances of survival are high if the disease is caught early, which is another reason you should see your dentist at least twice a year to get checked.Even though your dentist checks for signs of mouth cancer during your regular exam, it…
Do you feel a sore in your mouth that just won’t go away? You may want to get that checked out as soon as possible since it might be a sign of oral cancer. A statistic from the National Institute of Dental Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), states that half of oral cancer patients in the US…
Most people have experienced seeing red on the bristles of their toothbrush, or a pink tint in the sink when they expectorate after brushing. It is normal to feel a bit of concern when noticing blood in the mouth because bleeding gums are a symptom commonly associated with gum disease. However, while chronic bleeding gums…
Dental veneers are an investment. Getting these restorations is a significant decision. The permanence of having these shells on your teeth needs commitment. Knowing how to make these restorations last longer can help motivate you to care for them even more. Here are some advice and tips on how to make your dental veneers last…
A dentist will recommend Invisalign® if your dental alignment is mild to moderate. This system needs responsible patients because the care and changing of the aligners will depend on them. Knowing how this system works can help prepare you for your treatment period. Here are the details about how Invisalign aligns teeth.Assessing the teeth with…
