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Oral Cancer Screening: Understanding The Basics

Before understanding the entire terminology, we first need to identify what oral cancer is. Also referred to as “oral cavity cancer”, oral cancer is related to the mouth. It occurs inside the areas of the mouth, i.e. cheeks, lips, tongue, gums, and hard palate. However, cancers found on the soft palate (back-top of mouth) and throat are not involved in oral cancer. Oral cancer is diagnosed more in men than women and it has a strong link with tobacco chewing or smoking. Some other causes of oral cancer include a poor diet, alcohol consumption, viral infection or family history of oral cancer.

The disease is diagnosed more in Americans. The death rate for this type of cancer is particularly high because it is discovered late in its development. Most of the times patients start noticing it in the later stages due to the fact that they may not be experiencing any kind of pain or symptom. This brings “oral cancer screening” into the limelight.

What Is Oral Cancer Screening?
Early diagnosis is the only way to reduce oral cancer-related death. Regular screening is the best way to identify signs of oral cancer. Oral cancer screening is a precautionary measure that is taken during a dental examination to check for the signs of oral cancer.

It identifies abnormalities and signs of cancer in the earlier stages. Cancer screenings are aimed at looking for the signs of cancer even before it shows up. In its earliest stage, the disease is more curable. By catching the symptoms earlier, you can improve your chances of survival, while also minimizing the side-effects that are associated with other cancer treatments.

How Is An Oral Cancer Screening Performed?
We encourage you to take an oral cancer screening today to get a definitive diagnosis. Our dentists start with analyzing the face and neck for swelling. They also analyze the painful areas along with white/red patches on the oral tissues and neck. Early detected abnormal tissue can be easily treated before symptoms appear. In most of the cases, symptoms appear, once cancer starts spreading.

The entire process takes only a few minutes and is completely non-invasive and pain-free. Some of the symptoms that are generally analyzed during the screening process are:

  • Lumps or bumps in soft tissue
  • Hardening of lymph nodes
  • Discoloration of soft tissue
  • Changes in the texture of soft tissues
  • Sore throat

What Are The Advantages Of Oral Cancer Screening?
We are here to help you identify and prevent this disease by offering oral cancer screenings at our office. There are various benefits to this screening. The most important ones are:

  1. It is a simple and easy procedure and can be performed during your regular dental examination.
  2. Owing to its early detection technique, the procedure makes it easier to catch the signs of disease at early stages of development. Oral cancer screening is, therefore, a life-saving therapy that multiplies your chances of curing oral cancer.
  3. Oral cancer screening is fairly priced in comparison to other techniques. This means it is economical to opt for.

To schedule your oral cancer screening with us, call today.

Book an Appointment to find out which treatment might be best for you.