Oral Cancer Screenings

It is estimated that 37,000 people were diagnosed with oral cancer in 2010. When found in the early stages of development, oral cancers have an 80 to 90 percent survival rate. But often the majority of cases are found later on and result in a high death rate of 45 percent at five years from diagnosis.

It is very easy to detect oral cancer in its early stages. So make sure you get it checked soon during an oral cancer screening at Wurzbach Parkway Family Dental.

Signs of Oral Cancer

Your chances are increased for developing oral cancer if you use tobacco, alcohol, and those who smoke and drink simultaneously increase their risk of cancer dramatically. Also, sun exposure can lead to lip cancer, and those who have had head and neck cancer have a higher risk of developing oral cancer.

Symptoms of oral cancer include:

• Tiny, white or red spots or sores anywhere in the mouth
• A sore that won’t heal in your mouth
• Mouth bleeding
• Loose teeth
• Difficulty when swallowing
• Pain, tenderness, or numbness anywhere in the mouth or lips
• Problems wearing dentures
• Lump on your neck
• Color change of oral tissue
• Earache

Oral Cancer Screenings

Regular check-ups of the mouth are important to detect cancerous and pre-cancerous conditions. The dentist will inspect the entire mouth and tongue for small, white or red spots or sores. Harmful spots can look the same as those that are not harmless. To determine if a spot is harmful, the dentist will use a brush test to collect cells. These are sent to a lab for analysis.

Treatment for Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is treated the same way many cancers are treated—surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Surgery: this is the most common treatment for those with oral cancer. If the cancer has spread or if your physician fears that it might, the lymph nodes in the neck may also be removed.

Radiation therapy: the use of high-energy rays to damage cancer cells and stop them from growing. It only affects the cells in the treated area. If the tumors are larger, surgery and radiation therapy will be needed.

Chemotherapy: the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. The treatment is usually used in combination with radiation therapy and surgery for extensive cancers.

How to Prevent Oral Cancer

• Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.
• Only drink alcohol in moderation.
• If you are exposed to the sun, protect yourself with sunscreen and lip balm.
• Don’t wear ill-fitting dentures that may cause oral irritation.
• Eat a balanced diet and make sure you get all the vitamins you need.

Contact Wurzbach Parkway Family Dental to set up an appointment for your next oral cancer screening.