We will be closed from 22nd Dec to 26th Dec 2022, and 29th Dec, 2022 to 2nd Jan, 2023 in observance of Christmas and New Year's Holidays.
Cancer is, without a doubt, one of the most feared diseases. Once one is diagnosed with cancer, people start imagining life without them. However, being diagnosed with the disease is not the end of life. Yes, it does not have a cure, but we’ve heard thousands of people who have conquered the disease and are cancer-free.
Among the many types of cancers, oral cancer has become quite rampant in recent years. The mortality rate is quite high, with over 40 percent of diagnosed individuals dying within five years after diagnosis.
However, you stand a good chance of conquering the disease if it is diagnosed in its early stages. That’s where screening of oral cancer comes in. In this blog, we will discuss oral cancer screening in detail to help you see why you should include it in your regular dental care plan.
First, let’s discuss the signs and symptoms of the disease. The early signs of the infections are often signs of other infections, so don’t automatically assume you have cancer if you notice any of them. The only way to be sure is through screening.
Once you experience one or more of the above signs, keep a two-week timeline assessing the symptoms. If they are persistent, contact your dentist for screening. Remember, the earlier the infection is detected, the higher the chances of treating it. Therefore, don’t take any chances, especially now when the disease is on the rise.
Unfortunately, no one is cancer-proof. It affects people of all ages and gender. However, there are some things that can make you more susceptible to the infection. These risk factors include:
Smoking or taking tobacco products stains your teeth and increase the risk of lung and oral cancer. Studies show that persons who use tobacco and its products are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer by at least six times.
Taking beer is often associated with an increased risk of liver cirrhosis, but it also increases a person’s risk of getting oral cancer.
If you were diagnosed with cancer in the past or a family member was, your risk of getting the disease is higher. Also, if you have a history of excessive exposure to sunlight, your risk is higher.
Screening is conducted by a doctor or dentist looking for precancerous lesions in a person’s mouth. Screening does not reduce the risk of getting the disease, and it is not clear if people with low risk for oral cancer should go for these screenings.
However, it does not hurt being on the safe side. Plus, the procedure is not painful or complicated in any way. With the HPV virus being the leading cause of oral cancer, anyone can get the disease.
The screening procedure is completed within a few minutes, and it can be included in your regular dental exams. The dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth, looking for early signs of the disease. He will also examine your neck and throat with his hands looking for any lumps.
Sometimes, he may ask you to rinse your mouth with a special chemical. If the liquid turns blue, it might indicate that you have oral cancer. Some dentists use a special light to detect early signs of the infection.
You can reduce your risk of getting the disease by doing the following:
Please don’t wait until it is too late to start taking oral cancer screening seriously. This simple procedure can play a huge role in your life. We are here for you if you have more questions about oral cancer or want a screening procedure. Book an appointment now.
Our goal is to provide comprehensive dental care in Tampa, and we are accepting patients across the neighborhood including: