ORAL CANCER
What is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It is one of the most common and often missed cancers around. Some patients are more susceptible to developing oral cancer, like smokers and those who chew tobacco. However, oral cancer can affect any adult and should be screened for regularly.
What are the signs of Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer symptoms may start off as mere oral problems that you put off as being minor and unimportant. Over time, these symptoms can get worse, leading to erosion of the cheeks and jaw. Some symptoms to look for concerning oral cancer include:
- Mouth pain and soreness
- Persistent bad breath
- White or red lesions inside the mouth, especially on the insides of the cheeks
- Growths and lumps that won’t heal
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Constant sore throat
- Dry mouth
- The feeling of having something lodged in your throat
Who should be getting a screening for Oral Cancer?
Early detection of any type of cancer is key in eradicating it completely. If left untreated, cancer will and can get worse, leading to more serious oral problems. Screenings take less than a minute and can be done bi-annually at each of your dental checkups. If abnormalities are found, we can help you to receive the treatment that is needed.
What can you expect with a routine Oral Cancer screening?
The routine oral cancer screening involves our doctor looking around your mouth and lifting your tongue. We are checking for any unusual lesions, sores and lumps that could indicate oral cancer. If abnormalities are found, a biopsy is taken and used to identify any cancer cells. Just because you have any of the above mentioned symptoms, it does not mean that you have oral cancer until it is detected professionally and diagnosed. It is best to have a screening done after you have performed a self-assessment at home.
If you would like to come into our office for an oral cancer screening, call us today and we can help to get you in right away.
