Oral cancer is a severe illness that causes significant discomfort and can be life-threatening. Fortunately, cancer can be treated if diagnosed early. This is done through regular cancer screening. Continue reading to learn how often you should have oral cancer screening near you.
The Frequency Of Oral Cancer Screenings
Anyone can get oral cancer, including individuals who maintain a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, you should not ignore visiting the dentist in Westminster, CO, for oral cancer exams. The expert will look for signs and symptoms of the condition. Then, they will provide appropriate treatments.
Dentists recommend frequent oral cancer screenings to increase the chances of successful treatment. Generally, adults aged 20 years and above should get screened for oral cancer at least once every year. The exams are carried out during your routine dental checkup.
However, people with certain risk factors need more screenings annually. These people will benefit from having early diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer. Patients who need more frequent oral cancer exams include individuals who:
- Use tobacco products
- Consume alcohol heavily
- Have human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Have a family history of cancer
- Have prolonged sun exposure
- Are aged 40 and above
What To Expect During Oral Cancer Screening
An oral cancer screening near you is nothing to be anxious about. It is more straightforward and faster than you might think. First, the dentist will ask if you have been experiencing potential signs of oral cancer. These include persistent sore throat and unexplained changes to your voice. Other symptoms are loss of taste and the inability to move ordinarily mobile tissue.
Then they will begin by asking you to remove oral appliances such as retainers or dentures. This enables the dentist to examine all areas of your mouth. Next, they will do a physical exam of your mouth and throat. The evaluation will focus on the roof of your mouth, tonsils, inner cheeks, gums, and tongue.
Your dentist will use a mirror and tongue depressor to look for any signs of abnormality. They will look for lumps, ulcerations, and swelling. In addition, they will check for patches of red or white discolored tissue.
Next, they will request you to rinse your mouth with a solution of acetic acid. Afterwards, they will shine a special oral cancer screening light in your mouth to examine the abnormal areas. The light makes healthy tissue appear dark, and abnormal tissues appear white.
Next, they will perform an exam known as palpation. It enables the dentist to feel unusual masses or nodules in the neck, jaw, under the chin, or outside the cheeks. If the expert detects abnormalities, they will ask you to swish a special dye in the mouth.
Any cancerous tissues present will take up the dye and turn blue. Next, the dentist will remove a sample of the cells and send them to the lab for a biopsy. If cancer cells are present, your dentist will refer you to an oral cancer dentist or oncologist for treatment.
Treating Oral Cancer
Treatment for oral cancer must begin immediately after the disease is diagnosed. Doing so increases your chances of fully curing the disease. Your dentist in Westminster, CO, will recommend a series of treatments. These are based on the stage of the illness and the location of the cancer tumor. They will perform the following:
- Surgery
Surgery is performed based on the extent and location of the disease. The expert removes the cancerous cells and surrounding healthy tissues surgically. If the tumors have spread to the neck, the expert will remove the infected lymph nodes and surrounding tissues. Mouth reconstruction surgery may be necessary for treating stage IV oral cancer.
- Radiation therapy
Radiation involves using x-rays, protons, and external beam radiation to eradicate cancerous cells. After surgery, the dentist will perform radiation therapy to eliminate all cancer cells. However, patients with early-stage oral cancer only need radiation treatment.
- Chemotherapy
It uses chemicals to remove cancer cells from the affected area. However, chemotherapy is performed when treating advanced oral cancer.
Oral cancer screening can save lives. Schedule an appointment for regular oral cancer exams at Dental Associates of Westminster. We work with a team of medical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, and other specialists. All these ensure our patients receive the very best care and treatment.