Oral cancer is a serious condition that affects thousands of individuals
every year. At Dr. Naveen Samuel in Sacramento, CA, and his team are committed to your oral health, which involves providing proactive measures such as oral cancer screening.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer refers to cancers that develop in the tissues of the mouth or
throat. This can include the lips, tongue, gums, floor of the mouth, roof
of the mouth (palate), and throat (pharynx). Oral cancer can affect
anyone, but certain factors may increase your risk, such as tobacco use,
heavy alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Importance of Oral Cancer Screening
Early Detection Saves Lives
Early detection of oral cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. Oral cancer screening allows for the identification of abnormalities or precancerous lesions in the mouth before they develop into cancerous growths. When detected early, oral cancer is more treatable, requiring less aggressive treatment.
Routine Screening as Preventive Care
Routine oral cancer screening is a proactive approach to your oral health
care. Even if you do not have any symptoms or risk factors, regular
screenings are essential. Your dentist is trained to detect subtle changes
in the oral tissues that may indicate early signs of cancer or
precancerous conditions.
Quick and Painless Procedure
Oral cancer screening is a noninvasive and painless procedure that can be performed during your regular dental checkup. It involves a visual and physical examination of the mouth, lips, tongue, throat, and surrounding tissues to look for any abnormalities, lesions, or discolorations. Contact us to learn more.
What to Expect During an Oral Cancer Screening
Visual Examination
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Lips and face: Your dentist will examine the lips and
face for any unusual changes in color or texture.
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Inside the mouth: Using a small mirror, your dentist
will inspect the gums, cheeks, roof of the mouth (palate), tongue, and
floor of the mouth for sores, white or red patches, or other
abnormalities.
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Throat and neck: Your dentist may also feel the lymph
nodes in your neck and examine the throat for any signs of swelling or
lumps.
Additional Screening Tools
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Oral cancer screening devices: Some dental offices use special screening devices such as VELscope or ViziLite that emit fluorescent light to detect abnormal tissues that may not be visible to the naked eye.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Several factors can increase your risk of developing oral cancer:
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Tobacco use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or
using smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco, snuff) significantly increases
your risk.
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Heavy alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol
excessively, especially combined with tobacco use, further increases the
risk.
-
HPV infection: Certain strains of HPV (human
papillomavirus), particularly HPV-16, are associated with an increased
risk of oral cancer.
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Sun exposure: Prolonged exposure to sunlight without
protection can increase the risk of lip cancer.
-
Age: The risk of oral cancer increases with age,
particularly after age 45.
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Gender: Men are more likely to develop oral cancer than
women.
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Poor oral hygiene: Neglecting oral hygiene can
contribute to the development of oral cancers.
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Diet: A diet low in fruits and vegetables could increase the risk of oral cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
It's essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer and to
promptly report any changes to your dentist or healthcare provider. Common
symptoms include:
- Persistent mouth sore that does not heal
- Persistent mouth pain or discomfort
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- Lump, thickening, or rough spot in the mouth or throat
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue
- Sore throat or feeling that something is caught in the throat
- Swelling or numbness in the jaw
- Changes in voice or speech
What Happens if an Abnormality Is Detected?
If your dentist identifies any abnormality during the oral cancer
screening, further evaluation may be recommended. This can include:
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Biopsy: A small sample of tissue may be collected and
sent to a laboratory for microscopic examination to determine if cancer
cells are present.
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Referral to a specialist: Depending on the findings,
your dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon or oncologist for further
evaluation and treatment.
Tips for Oral Cancer Prevention
While certain risk factors for oral cancer cannot be controlled, there are
steps you can take to reduce your risk:
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Quit smoking and tobacco use: If you use tobacco
products, quitting can significantly reduce your risk of oral cancer.
-
Limit alcohol consumption: Drink alcohol in moderation
or avoid it altogether.
-
Practice safe sun exposure: Use lip balm with SPF and
wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors for extended periods.
-
Maintain good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a
day, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly for checkups and
cleanings.
-
Eat a healthy diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and
vegetables, which are high in antioxidants and can help protect against
oral cancer.
-
Have HPV vaccination: Speak with your healthcare provider
about the HPV vaccine, which can protect against certain strains of the
virus associated with oral cancer.
Conclusion
Regular oral cancer screening is a vital part of preventive dental care at
Samuel Dental Care in Sacramento, CA.
Dr. Naveen Samuel and his team are
dedicated to your oral health and well-being, offering comprehensive
screenings to detect oral cancer early when treatment is most effective.
By understanding the importance of oral cancer screening, recognizing risk factors, and staying vigilant about symptoms, you can take proactive steps to protect your oral health and overall health. Schedule an appointment with Samuel Dental Care today for your next dental checkup and oral cancer screening. Your health and peace of mind are our priorities.
Remember, early detection saves lives. Stay informed, stay healthy, and
let Samuel Dental Care be your partner in maintaining a healthy smile for
life.