Oral cancer screening can save your life

Proper care and regular visits to your dentist are vital to maintain your oral health. In addition to monitoring the health of your teeth and gums, your dentist provides a regular screening for oral cancer—a quick and easy examination that could save your life.

Screening for Oral Cancer

Most of us know that your dentist provides important information about your oral health. A visual examination, X-rays, digital photos, and special tools can tell him if you have soft spots in your teeth that could become cavities, if there is inflammation or infection inside the tooth or in the surrounding bone, and if there is a problem with the gum tissue. However, dentists also provide another vital service in the form of an oral cancer screening.

This screening also involves a visual and physical examination, in which the dentist looks for any lesions, sores, or unusual bumps or growths on your gums, cheeks, tongue, or lips. These could indicate the presence of oral cancer. Oral cancer should be treated as soon as possible; like most cancers, the earlier it’s treated, the more likely you are to make a full recovery.

Oral Cancer Causes and Treatment

Though cancer can’t usually be said to have one particular cause, there are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood that you will develop cancer in the oral tissues. These include:

  • A history of cancer
  • Smoking
  • Use of other tobacco products
  • Excessive use of alcohol

Cancer often develops, however, without the presence of any known risk factors, so it’s important to keep an eye out for any unusual growths or lesions that could indicate a problem.

Treatment for oral cancer depends upon the type of cancer you have and how far it has progressed. A typical course of treatment involves surgery to remove the cancerous tissue followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation to destroy any remaining cancer. If you see a lesion, a reddened area, or a growth in your mouth, have it looked at right away. In many cases, these growths are benign, but if they are not, prompt treatment is the best course of action.

If you’re concerned about your health, contact us at Joseph R. Loftus, DDS, to quell any fears and get started on treatment.