Oral cancer is a serious condition that most people don’t seem to know too much about. While the presence of an unusual bump or discolored patch inside the mouth is usually a warning sign that the disease might be present, many people can’t detect these symptoms on their own. For this reason, it’s important to find a dentist who is well-versed in oral cancer screening techniques. Dr. Stuart Levy is a Medford, New Jersey dentist who believes that a thorough oral cancer screening should be a part of every patient’s dental routine. In order to educate patients about this disease, Dr. Levy offers the following facts about oral cancer:
Some people are at greater risk than others
Constant, chronic irritation inside the mouth is considered the most common source of oral cancer. While genetics can also play a role in assessing one’s risk for oral cancer, the greatest predisposing factors to developing the disease are habits such as smoking, heavy drinking, and regularly chewing tobacco. Anyone who engages in these activities consistently is essentially exposing his oral tissue to irritants that have the ability to cause cancer. (Social drinkers, not to worry; this probably does not mean you, provided that you are truly drinking in moderation.) Unfortunately, ill-fitting dentures (whether they are partial or full) can also be a chronic source of mouth irritation, which can put a person at risk. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the factors associated with oral cancer diagnoses so that those at greater risk for the disease can make certain to get screened often and in the most thorough manner possible.
Technology has made screening even easier
An oral cancer screening should be a part of every patient’s regular, twice-a-year visit to the dentist’s office. As part of the process, a dentist will examine the patient’s mouth, including the cheeks and tongue, while keeping an eye out for anything unusual such as red patches, white patches, or bumps. Although not every dentist is as up on technology as others, these days, some dentists are making good use of an oral cancer screening device called the VELscope, which works by bouncing light off a patient’s oral tissue to differentiate between healthy tissue and tissue that is abnormal or potentially problematic. If the VELscope does detect the presence of unhealthy tissue, then a dentist will usually biopsy the affected area to get a more thorough evaluation. The VELscope screening process is safe and painless for the patient. Most importantly, the VELscope is believed to have the ability to increase the oral cancer survival rate as much as 90% with proper use and regularly-scheduled screenings.
Early detection is key
The problem with oral cancer is that it tends to be discovered late, making treatment a lot more complex. For this reason, people should be screened for oral cancer at a minimum of two times per year. Since these screenings are generally done in conjunction with a regular cleaning and checkup, make dental visits a priority. Of course, anyone at a greater risk for oral cancer should get screened as often as his dentist recommends.
Oral cancer is certainly scary, but with proper screening, it can be nipped in the bud before it truly takes a toll on the body. If your dentist doesn’t currently offer oral cancer screenings as part of your regular checkup routine, then consider switching to a dental practice that does. After all, the term “oral health” encompasses far more than just your teeth, and you deserve to be seen by a dentist who will truly serves all your mouth-related needs.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
