The Easy and Painless Way to Protect Yourself: The Benefits of Oral Cancer Screening
Oral cancer screening is a painless and quick way to protect yourself from the potentially fatal effects of the disease. A dental professional performs a visual examination of the mouth, throat, and tongue to look for any signs of abnormal tissue or growth. Early detection of oral cancer is critical for successful treatment and recovery, and regular oral cancer screenings can help detect any potential problems before they become more serious.
If oral cancer is detected early, the benefits of screening include peace of mind and increased chances of successful treatment and recovery. Furthermore, oral cancer screenings can aid in detecting other oral health issues, like gum disease or tooth decay, which can be treated.
What is Oral Cancer Screening?
Oral cancer screening is an exam a dentist performs to detect signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in the mouth, throat, and tongue. The dentist in St. Armands will visually inspect the mouth and examine the tongue, gums, lips, cheeks, and throat for any abnormalities, such as red or white patches, lumps, or sores that do not heal, during the screening.
Some dental professionals also use specialized equipment to detect abnormal tissue, such as a special light or dye. Oral cancer screening is recommended for all adults, particularly those who smoke, drink excessively, have a family history of cancer, or have been exposed to the human papillomavirus (HPV). Oral cancer detection is critical for successful treatment and recovery, and regular screenings can help identify potential problems before they become more serious.
Benefits of Getting an Oral Cancer Screening Near You
Some of the benefits of getting an oral cancer screening include the following:
- Early Detection
Oral cancer screening aids in the early detection of cancer and precancerous conditions in the mouth, throat, and tongue. When oral cancer is detected earlier, it is easier to treat, and the chances of recovery are better. Oral cancer can go undetected and become more difficult to treat if regular screenings are not performed.
- Increased Survival Rates
Survival rates are significantly higher when oral cancer is detected early. According to the American Cancer Society, localized oral cancer has a 5-year survival rate of around 91 percent, compared to only 37 percent for those with advanced-stage oral cancer. Oral cancer screening can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and recovery, resulting in higher survival rates.
- Detecting Other Oral Health Problems
Other oral health issues, like gum disease, tooth decay, and other abnormalities in the mouth, throat, and tongue, can also be detected through oral cancer screening. Early detection of these problems can help prevent them from becoming more serious and necessitating more extensive treatment. Regular oral cancer screenings allow your dentist near you to examine the entire mouth and identify any other problems that may need to be addressed.
- Simple and painless
Oral cancer screening is a painless and simple procedure which can be performed as part of a routine dental examination. For any abnormalities, the dental professional at Tarpon Shores Dental will visually inspect the mouth and examine the tongue, gums, lips, cheeks, and throat. Some dental professionals may also use specialized equipment to detect abnormal tissue, such as a special light or dye.
Who Should Get Oral Cancer Screening?
The following groups are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer and should consider getting an oral cancer screening in St Armands.
- Tobacco Users: People who smoke or use tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco, are more likely to develop oral cancer.
- Individuals who consume excessive amounts of alcohol are also at a higher risk of developing oral cancer. Heavy alcohol consumption combined with tobacco use can raise the risk even further.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection increases the risk of oral cancer. Individuals who have HPV should think about getting regular oral cancer screenings.
- Individuals with a family history of oral cancer are likelier to develop the disease.
- Individuals previously diagnosed with oral cancer are at a higher risk of developing the disease again and should have regular screenings.
- Age: Because the risk of oral cancer increases with age, people over 40 should consider getting regular screenings.