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In recent decades, cancer has risen to prominence as a global killer. A lot of people still die from cancer every year, despite the fact that treatment methods are getting better and better thanks to technology. Delayed diagnosis is a leading cause of mortality from many malignancies, including oral cancer.
An early diagnosis is the first line of defense in the battle against cancer. Very few people with oral cancer receive early detection, which is really unfortunate. The reason is that oral cancer screenings aren’t well considered and dental checkups aren’t common. This is the reason why we started Oral Cancer Screening Services at Palm Tree Dental to help patients get a checkup and detection in the earliest stage of oral cancer.
What is Oral Cancer Screening?
The oral cancer screening includes a series of simple tests to check for the presence of malignant or potentially cancerous cells in the body. In order to detect various forms of oral cancer, this test is designed specifically for the mouth.
Since dentists are in constant contact with your mouth, they are the ones who perform the test on several occasions. This is often done during checkups at the dentist, but it may be more extensive if your doctor notices anything out of the ordinary with your oral health. The purpose of the screening is to identify the presence of any indications that could indicate cancer; however, other doctors can also do the same tests.
Gaining Insight on Dental Cancer
The fact that there are various forms of oral cancer adds to the disease’s dangers. Even if you think you’ve got your oral health under control, another kind of oral cancer could be lurking in the shadows. Some examples of frequent types are:
- Sunburn is the leading cause of cancer of the lips.
- Salivary Gland Cancer
- Tongue Cancer
- Throat Cancer
- Gum and jaw cancer
Why Should You Get Your Teeth Screened for Cancer?
The tests are vital for reasons like these, even if they may appear superfluous at first:
The earlier cancer is detected, the better the prognosis, as compared to waiting until the disease has progressed.
Studying potential dangers—after all, no one ever knowingly chooses to have cancer. On the other hand, some people never get cancer at all. Nonetheless, some people develop it at a young age, while others get it later in life. Oral cancer risk assessments are not feasible in the absence of screenings.
To avoid oral cancer, it is recommended to undergo a test, which may reveal that no cancer has been detected. On the other hand, if you are a patient at high risk for cancer, this is a good opportunity for your dentist or doctor to teach you preventative measures.
Who is at High Risk of Oral Cancer?
In most cases, a cancer screening can help anyone. There are no precancerous cells in your body, which is great news that will allow you to live your life to the fullest. However, regular screenings should be considered for those who are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer. This includes:
- Tobacco use – Tobacco has several negative effects on health. Along with giving rise to stomach and lung cancer, smoking or chewing tobacco also raises the risk of developing oral cancer as well.
- A history of cancer – your risk of developing cancer again is higher if you have a history of cancer, particularly oral cancer.
- Hereditary – Oral cancer runs in families, so if someone in your family has it, you should be prepared to face the same fate.
- Alcoholism – your chance of developing oral cancer is higher if you drink alcohol regularly.
- Viral Infection – Oral cancer incidences are on the rise globally, and one possible cause is the sexually transmitted infection known as human papillomavirus (HPV). The exact reason is still unknown, although it might be related to oral sex.
Is it Necessary to Scan Your Mouth for Cancer?
The need for routine screenings for oral cancer is still a topic of debate among medical professionals. Seeing a dentist for checks on a regular basis is the gold standard. In this approach, a screening exam will be required in the event of any abnormalities. On the other hand, frequent oral cancer screenings should be considered an essential evaluation for patients at high risk.
Conclusion
Early detection is key to a successful outcome for oral cancer patients, as it is for many other cancers. The only way to accomplish this is to get dental screenings. Visit Palm Tree Dental in Ingleside, Texas, to learn more about oral cancer screening and possible ways to prevent oral cancer.