Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer is ranked the sixth deadliest cancer in the world with more than 300,000 cases diagnosed each year. Although oral cancer may be life-threatening, early detection and treatment can help achieve successful patient outcomes. At BrightCraft Dental and Laser, we encourage you to book an appointment today for oral cancer screening. It is a life-saving measure that ensures that you’re not caught unawares as early detection makes it possible to defeat oral cancer.
What is oral cancer screening?
✓ Oral cancer screening is a dental procedure that helps identify signs that are potentially cancerous. It is a way to catch the earliest symptoms of oral cancer.
✓ Oral cancer includes cancers that affect the soft tissues of the mouth including the lips, tongues, sinuses, palate and throat.
✓ This screening can be done when you visit us for your regular dental checkup or when you notice potential signs of oral cancer.
✓ Should we discover an anomaly after screening, we may refer to you an oral surgeon or an ENT for a biopsy.
What are the signs of oral cancer?
It helps to know the signs of oral cancer so you can come in for oral screening when you spot them. They include
✓ Sores or ulcers that do not heal for weeks
✓ Red or white patches on the tongue, cheeks, gums etc.
✓ Lumps/bumps on the throat, tongue, gums, lip or neck
✓ Difficulty swallowing or chewing
✓ Feeling of something stuck in the throat
✓ Numbness of the mouth of lips
✓ Ear pain
✓ Dentures fit loosely
If you notice any of these signs, you should immediately book an appointment with us at BrightCraft Dental for oral cancer screening. It’s important you seek medical advice right away as delay may aggravate the condition and may even cause it to spread to other parts of the body.
Who is at risk for oral cancer?
Everyone should have regular oral cancer screening so potentially cancerous signs can be detected on time. However, some people are more susceptible to cancer
• Tobacco and alcohol use
Using tobacco products of any kind increases your risks of developing oral cancer. Also, those who drink alcohol excessively are more likely to develop oral cancer during their lifetime.
• Unhealthy diet
People who regularly eat processed foods without a regular intake of fruits and vegetables may develop oral cancer. A healthy diet is critical to both your oral health and overall health.
• Genetics
If you have a family history of cancer, you’re at a much higher risk of developing cancer due to genetics. If you belong to this category, it’s vital to visit a dentist regularly for screening.
• Other risk factors include:
✓ Significant exposure to ultraviolet light
✓ A weakened immune system
✓ People with HPV (human papillomavirus)
What does an oral cancer screening process look like?
The screening may take place during a dental visit or when you book an appointment if you’ve noticed any of the signs above. We may ask you a few questions about your risk factors to cancer.
We may also carry out an oral exam for any sign of abnormal tissue. Much of the screening is done visually to identify the symptoms listed above but we may also feel your cheeks while wearing gloves for any unusual lumps.
For a more thorough screening, we may also use other testing resources when you come in. We guarantee that the process is comfortable and painless.
What are the advantages of oral cancer screening?
Everyone should visit a dentist regularly for oral cancer screening. Here are some of the benefits:
✓ Can save your life by helping detect oral cancer when it’s easier to treat
✓ Early detection means less treatment and less time spent recovering
✓ Gives you peace of mind if the results are normal
✓ Advisory benefit on how to improve your oral health
Catch any hazard to your oral healthy today!
Because we care about your oral health, we encourage you to take advantage of our professional oral cancer screenings at BrightCraft Dental and Laser.
What to do next?
For an appointment for checkup and oral cancer screening, please contact BrightCraft Dental. BOOK ONLINE or call (818) 237-1010․
