Get Screened For Oral Cancer Screening, It's A Line Of Defense
Posted on 1/23/2023 by Robert Leale
Oral screening is the best defense against oral health complications and cancer. Treatment has a higher success rate when cancerous tumors are detected early. Dentists will provide cancer screening as part of their preventive care services. You are screened when you go for routine checks, but you can also ask the dentist to screen you when you go for other dental treatments.
What is an Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is a dental exam to assess cancerous or precancerous growth in your mouth. The initial phases of the disease are difficult to spot. Our dental team utilizes specialized tools to identify the most benign symptoms of oral cancer.
Research suggests an exam can detect 84% of oral cancer cases in the initial stages. The disease is more cost-effective to treat in its earliest phases.
Symptoms and Risk Factors Oral Cancer
Red and white patches on the side of your mouth could be symptoms of oral cancer. Some lesions and mouth sores can be challenging to spot with the naked eye. Our dental specialists may shine a special light to determine if the growth is cancerous.
Lumps in your oral cavity could be another sign of oral cancer. You may experience soreness and pain when chewing food or persistent gum bleeding. A physical exam at your dentist's office will confirm if you have oral cancer.
Our dental specialists may recommend an oral exam for patients with risk factors. Risk factors for cancer may include excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption, extended sunlight exposure, Human Papillomavirus or HPV as well as poor diet and advanced age.
Oral Cancer Prevention and Treatment
You can reduce your risk of oral cancer by brushing your teeth and avoiding tobacco and alcohol consumption. Our dental team recommends scheduling annual screenings, especially if you have risk factors.
Your dentist will take tissue samples from your mouth. Results from the lab will inform the following treatment process. Our dental team may refer you to a specialist for further assessment and treatment. Get in touch with our dentist for a consultation appointment.
Location
Northview Family Dental 1121 E. Westview Ct. Spokane, WA 99218-1319
Oral screening is the best defense against oral health complications and cancer. Treatment has a higher success rate when cancerous tumors are detected early. Dentists will provide cancer screening as part of their preventive care services. You are screened when you go for routine checks, but you can also ask the dentist to screen you when you go for other dental treatments.