Cancer is a disease that can be attributed to an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in the body. These abnormal cells are commonly referred to as cancerous or malignant cells.
Cancer can also be defined as an uncontrollable growth of cells that invade and damage the surrounding tissues.
Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, occurs anywhere in the mouth that may include the tongue, lips, cheeks, and gums. It may also affect your salivary glands, sinuses, larynx, and pharynx.
Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer and is categorized as oral and oropharyngeal cancer.
Early detection is fundamental in combating this disease. This is why it is crucial for you and your loved ones to keep your regular dental appointments. This is because routine dental checkups give our dentist a chance to perform a physical oral examination.
This examination will focus on the whole oral cavity and lips, face, and neck area looking for any possible signs of oral cancer.
Having regular oral cancer screenings can help detect oral cancer at an early stage and significantly improve your treatment options and increase your chances of recovery.
In addition to having regular dental checkups, you should familiarize yourself with the early signs of oral cancer. This will enable you to detect anything amiss and bring it up during your next dental visit for our dentist to examine and rule out any sign of oral cancer.
Depending on where it initially develops, oral cancer can be detected through various symptoms. Here are some of the common symptoms you can look out for:
It is essential to notify your doctor or dentist immediately you notice any of the above symptoms. Especially if any symptom persists for more than two weeks.
Let your dentist check out the symptom and conduct a thorough oral cancer screening. This could end up saving your life by giving you a fighting chance against the disease.
Although it is not clear what exactly causes oral cancer, there are lifestyle factors that can live you more predisposed to getting mouth cancer.
Here are some of the factors:
Our dentist can conduct oral cancer examinations that are essential for the early detection of mouth cancer. During your routine dental visits, our dentist can conduct your oral exam that may involve examining your lips, face, tongue, and mouth for any visible symptoms.
The examination may also include your jawline and neck area. Oral cancer screenings should be carried out every six months, especially if you are exposed to any predisposing risk factors.
If our dentist finds anything amiss, they may order a series of more tests and biopsies to find out if cancerous cells are, in fact, present.
If the diagnosis is positive for malignant cells, then treatment commences. Treatment may involve surgery, followed by a series of radiation and chemotherapy sessions.
At Union Ave Dental, we believe that early detection of oral cancer gives our patients a chance to fight against this disease. Contact us today.
© 2021 Union Ave Dental | Privacy Policy | Web Design, Digital Marketing & SEO By Adit