There are approximately 50,000 cases of oral or throat cancer each year and 10,000 die from the condition. However, this can be prevented. There are steps you can take to reduce your risk such as an oral cancer screening from our Shelby Township dentists.
Here’s what you need to know about oral cancer screenings.
What Is an Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screenings save lives by detecting mouth cancer in its early stages. The earlier our dentists are able to detect , the better chance you’ll have of survival. There are two main types of screenings, which are clinical examination and oral examination. The type of screening done will depend on your dentist and your medical history.
During a clinical examination, our dentists will examine the inside of your mouth for patches and sores that don’t belong. They will also feel along the inside of your cheek and other parts of your mouth for bumps. A clinical exam is simple enough to be done during your regular teeth cleaning appointment.
An oral exam, on the other hand, is more thorough because your dentist uses a special screening device to detect cancer or premalignant lesions. If cancer is detected, you’ll be able to start mouth cancer treatment as soon as possible.
Common Symptoms
Oral cancer is so dangerous because patients often don’t exhibit symptoms until it’s too late. If you recognize any of the early signs of mouth cancer below, schedule an appointment with our emergency dentists as soon as possible.
Mouth cancer symptoms include:
- Lump in throat or mouth
- Lump on lips
- Hoarse voice
- White or red patches in mouth
- Numbness or pain when biting down
- Bleeding in mouth
Steps to Reduce Your Risk of Oral Cancer
While there’s no way to guarantee you won’t get oral cancer, there are things you can do to lower your risk. By doing the following, you’ll be able to reduce the likelihood of getting oral cancer.
- Stop using tobacco products.
- Wear sun protection on your lips.
- Eat a nutritious diet.
- Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption.
If you have a history of using tobacco products or abusing alcohol, you are at higher risk for oral cancer. You are also at a higher risk for lip cancer if you didn’t use sun protection on your lips while spending long periods of time outside.
If you recognize any of the , schedule an appointment with our dentists as soon as possible for an oral cancer screening. That small step may end up saving your life.
What Does an Oral Cancer Screening Look Like?
During an oral cancer screening, our dentists will thoroughly check your mouth for signs of oral cancer. He will feel for any lumps or other abnormalities and examine the surface of your skin. If he notices any patches, sores, swelling, or other potential signs of oral cancer, he will perform a more thorough check to make sure there’s nothing serious going wrong.
Oral cancer screenings are quick, pain-free, and can be completed as part of your regular dental checkup. Visiting our Shelby Township dental office on a regular basis is the best way to make sure you stay cancer-free.
Ready for an Appointment?
If you’d like an oral cancer screening, call our experienced dentists in Shelby Township, MI, who care about helping you get back to a healthier and happier smile. You can fill out our online contact form or call Smiles by Baker at (586) 992-0814.
This blog post has been updated.
