When was the last time you had a screening for oral cancer? If you can’t remember, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Getting screened for oral cancer is crucial for your overall well-being, yet it’s often overlooked. Don’t miss out on this essential preventive step for your health!

What is Oral Cancer?

Simply put, oral cancer refers to any type of malignant tissue growth in the mouth. This can include cancer of the lips, tongue, cheeks, throat, and even salivary glands.

Did you know that oral cancer is a really serious illness? It can have super bad effects if it’s not caught and treated early.

According to the American Cancer Society, around 54,010 people in the US will get diagnosed with cancers in their mouth or throat in 2021. And sadly, about 10,850 people will lose their lives to these cancers. So it’s really important to detect and treat them as soon as possible!

The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings

Getting regular screenings for oral cancer can be helpful in spotting any unusual signs in the mouth, like lumps, bumps, or changes in color, that could possibly indicate cancer. By catching oral cancer early, there is a greater chance of successful treatment and full recovery.

How Monahan Family and Cosmetic Dentistry Can Help You

As your trusted dental office in Burlington, NC, we promise to prioritize your oral health and overall well-being. Our team is experienced in performing thorough oral cancer screenings as a vital part of your dental check-up.

During the screening, our dentist will examine your mouth for any signs of oral cancer. This may include visually inspecting all areas of the mouth, feeling for lumps or masses, and even using specialized tools to further examine any suspicious areas.

What Can I Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening?

During your oral cancer screening at Monahan Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, you can expect a comfortable and non-invasive examination. Our team will make sure to walk you through every step of the process and address any queries you might have.

We understand that an oral cancer screening may cause some anxiety, but our goal is to make the experience as stress-free as possible. The screening usually just takes a couple of minutes and can be done during your regular dental check-up.

However, if you have concerns or notice any changes in your mouth between appointments, please do not hesitate to schedule a separate appointment for an oral cancer screening.

Why Regular Oral Cancer Screenings are Important

Oral cancer can often be asymptomatic in its early stages, meaning that it may not present any noticeable symptoms. This is why regular screenings are so crucial in detecting and treating oral cancer early on.

If left undetected and untreated, oral cancer can progress and spread to other parts of the body, making it more difficult to treat. However, when caught early, the survival rate for oral cancer is significantly higher.

Risk Factors for Oral Cancer

Anyone can get oral cancer. But there are certain things that can increase your chances. These include:

Tobacco use (cigarettes, cigars, pipes)
Heavy alcohol consumption
Family history of oral cancer
Prolonged exposure to UV rays, such as from tanning beds
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
Poor oral hygiene

If you have any of these risk factors, it is even more important for you to undergo regular oral cancer screenings.

Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer

Here are common signs of oral cancer you should be aware of:

A sore or bump in your mouth that doesn’t go away or heal
Red or white patches in the mouth
Difficulty swallowing or speaking
Pain or numbness in the mouth
Changes in bite or fit of dentures

If you notice any of these signs, make sure to book an appointment with your dentist for a comprehensive check-up.

How Is Oral Cancer Diagnosed?

At Monahan Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we make it a point to check for oral cancer during our dental care and check-ups. During screening, we’ll examine your mouth for any unusual signs or indications of oral cancer.

If there are any worries, additional tests might be suggested, like a biopsy where a small sample of tissue is taken out and checked for cancer cells.

Tools Used for Diagnosis

Your dentist might use special tools along with a visual check to help diagnose oral cancer. These include:

Oral brush biopsy: A small brush is used to collect cells from suspicious areas in the mouth.
Salivary test: This test measures certain proteins in saliva that can indicate the presence of oral cancer.
Blue dye test: A blue dye is used to stain any abnormal cells in the mouth, making them easier to identify.
Light-based detection: A special light is used to detect changes in the tissues that may not be visible to the naked eye.

Importance of Early Detection

Spotting oral cancer early significantly boosts the likelihood of successful treatment. If oral cancer is detected and treated in its early stages , the survival rate is 80-90%. However, if not detected until later stages, the survival rate drops to only 30-40%.

Our dentists at Monahan have years of experience in diagnosing oral cancer, and we believe in the importance of early detection. That is why we offer oral cancer screenings as part of our routine check-ups.

Is Oral Cancer Contagious?

No, oral cancer is not contagious. It cannot be spread through physical contact or saliva. However, there are factors that may increase your risk of developing oral cancer, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

Oral Cancer Screenings Burlington NC