The purpose of an oral cancer screening is to try and identify cancer in its earliest stages. Early detection of oral cancer can provide a better opportunity to seek treatment that is effective. Patients who are more at risk of oral cancer should consider an annual oral cancer screening.
Anyone who is nervous before an oral cancer screening can benefit from knowing more about what to expect during the visit. The following is an overview of what an oral cancer screening is and who should strongly consider visiting the dentist for one.
Every dentist or oncologist may have their own process for an oral cancer screening, but there are certain steps that are commonly involved. Many dental professionals will check for signs of oral cancer during a routine dental visit, but a screening is performed to check more thoroughly for signs of cancer. The process typically involves the following:
If there are any concerns that suggest a tumor is present, then they may order a biopsy and other additional tests.
Many medical professionals debate the importance of oral cancer screenings for individuals who do not meet one or more of the risk factors. However, those who do should strongly consider regular oral cancer screenings. The more notable risk factors of oral cancer include:
Most who have oral cancer are over the age of 55. It also affects men twice as much as it affects women. Additionally, tobacco use and excessive use of alcohol may increase the risk of oral cancer. A sexually transmitted disease known as human papillomavirus (HPV) is considered a risk factor as well.
Be sure to talk to a dentist or primary care doctor about whether or not to have an oral cancer screening scheduled. Most who meet multiple risk factors will likely need regular screenings. For example, men over the age of 55 or men who use tobacco products regularly can benefit from an oral cancer screening. With that said, a general dentist should also check for signs of oral cancer during a routine checkup, although it is not entirely conclusive.
To reduce the risk of oral cancer, consider limiting or stopping the use of tobacco products and drinking alcohol. Excessive sun exposure and a poor diet may also contribute to the risk of oral cancer, so wearing sunscreen and eating a healthy diet may also reduce the risk of developing oral cancer.
Reach out today to learn more about the oral cancer screening process and what to expect. Additionally, an appointment can be scheduled to get a screening done!
Are you considering an oral cancer screening in the Dallas area? Get more information at https://www.highlandsdentaldallas.com.
Having a broken tooth can be a stressful situation, but it does not need to permanently alter your smile. Knowing what to do immediately after a tooth breaks or if it cracks can mean the difference between needing an implant later and saving the original tooth.A broken tooth is an urgent matter, and in many…
Have you lost one or more teeth and are you looking for options for replacing missing teeth? Read on to learn about available treatments. For many people, replacing missing teeth is more about their smile's appearance than anything else. Tooth loss, on the other hand, is more than an aesthetic problem. Losing one or more…
Dental implants are a great option for replacing missing teeth, but they are not for everybody. Tooth loss is common among all age groups, whether due to injury or disease. Implants are considered an extremely effective option for replacing teeth.The procedure itself is relatively straightforward. Your dentist will embed a small metal rod into your…
Are you missing teeth? You are not alone. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, over 36 million U.S. residents have no teeth. An All-on-4® treatment can treat a full arch of missing upper or lower teeth, restoring your ability to chew, speak, and swallow normally while providing a natural look.All-on-4® dental implants are fixed…