Oral cancer may not get as much attention in general as other types of cancer, but it’s still responsible for over 12,250 deaths per year, which comes out to around one death every hour. For this reason, it’s important to have oral cancer diagnosed as early as possible – and oftentimes, the key to doing so is to have your preventive dentist perform an oral cancer screening. As part of Oral Cancer Awareness Month in April, now is a good opportunity to learn more about oral cancer screenings and why they’re important.
How Do Oral Cancer Screenings Work?
An oral cancer screening can be performed as part of a regular dental checkup. While your dentist is looking for signs of tooth decay and gum disease, they can also keep an eye out for symptoms of cancer. They’ll take a look at the gums, lips, tongue, tonsils, cheek lining, and floor and roof of your mouth to see if there are any abnormalities that you need to be concerned about.
Your dentist will search for potentially cancerous lesions as well as any unusual white patches or red areas. They may also feel around for lumps or bumps in the face, neck, or jaw. If there’s any reason to think that you might have cancer, your dentist will explain what steps you should take next to get a proper diagnosis.
Why are Oral Cancer Screenings Important?
Generally speaking, people who have their oral cancer diagnosed and treated while it’s still in its earliest stages tend to have a much more favorable prognosis. The 5-year survival rate for individuals who have oral cancer diagnosed early is around 85%, but it’s as low as 35% for those who don’t have it identified until it has already reached stage 4.
While you may sometimes be able to notice the warning signs of oral cancer on your own, the disease can be all too easy to overlook early on. Luckily, a trained dental professional can often catch troublesome symptoms that you might have missed. Thus, if you have an oral cancer screening performed twice a year as part of your routine dental appointments, you will be far more likely to get the care you need before your disease reaches its worst stages.
Being told that you have oral cancer can be frightening, but it’s best to get the news as soon as possible so that you can take appropriate action. Make sure that you’re continuing to visit your dentist at least twice a year; it could make all the difference for your overall health, not just your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Donald Marks is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. He has had the opportunity to learn from and work with some of the finest dentists in the world, including Dr. Frank Spear. At his State College practice, Donald Marks Family Dentistry, he’s proud to perform oral cancer screenings as part of his patients’ regular dental checkups. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Marks, visit his website or call (814) 826-3767.
