When was the last time you had an oral cancer screening? This preventive exam is crucial for adults, and you should have one at least once a year. In today’s blog, your Grand Prairie, TX, dentist looks at the importance of a screening and explains how we conduct one, so you can help safeguard your overall health.
The Warning Signs and Dangers
We offer the oral cancer screening as part of your routine six-month checkup and cleaning visit, so we can increase the likelihood of treating the issue in the earliest stages, often before you experience common symptoms. But if you encounter possible symptoms, we want you to let us know right away so we can schedule a screening and see if you need a biopsy. Possible warning signs could include sores, lesions, and rough patches in the interior of your mouth that don’t heal after two weeks. If you have red and white splotches that don’t heal after two weeks, again let us know. Other common warning signs include persistent hoarseness and sore throat, changes to your voice, and unexplained weight loss.
The disease has a high mortality rate despite being very treatable, because most people don’t receive an early diagnosis. As a result, of the estimated 53,000 people who will be diagnosed this year, half will succumb to the disease in just five years. But we want to help protect you and increase the chances of a full recovery.
The Screening Process
Our team will conduct a visual exam and also employ advanced digital imaging systems so we can identify areas that are possibly cancerous or precancerous. We know what to look for and will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth and the interior of the cheeks. If we find areas that look suspect, we can order a biopsy to see if there is oral cancer. If so, we can refer you to a specialist so you can begin treatment. The earlier the issue is caught, the more likely you are to make a recovery.
Taking a Preventive Approach
A number of factors could lead to issues like oral cancer, so you can take action to help lower your risk. For example, common factors include exposure to UV light, excess alcohol consumption, and the use of tobacco products. So be sure you wear sun protection when outdoors, consume alcohol in moderation, and avoid the use of cigarettes, vaping, and other tobacco products. While these are common factors, people can develop oral cancer who don’t drink or smoke, so be sure you continue to maintain your six-month checkup and cleaning visits.
If you have any questions about how we conduct an oral cancer screening, or if you would like to receive one soon, then contact our team today to learn more.
Schedule a Visit to Learn More About Oral Cancer
We want to help identify issues that could threaten your smile in their earliest stages. For more information on our approach to preventive dentistry, then schedule an appointment with Dr. Smith and our team by calling Pecan Tree Dental in Grand Prairie, TX, today at (972) 262-5111.
