When you have sores in your mouth that don’t heal after two weeks, or experience changes to your voice or persistent hoarseness, then you need a screening for oral cancer. Your Prairie Village, KS, dentist offers these for our adult patients as part of our preventive checkup and cleaning appointments. Remember, the earlier a diagnosis, the more likely you are to recover fully!
The Risk Factors and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
Common risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, or too much exposure to UV light. The issue tends to form in older patients as well. However, oral cancer can also form in the smiles of people who don’t have these risk factors. Which is why recognizing possible symptoms and seeking care at the first possible sign of trouble is so important. For example, symptoms could include sores, lesions, or rough patches in the mouth and soft tissues that don’t heal after two weeks. You may also notice areas with red and white splotches. Changes to your voice, persistent hoarseness, and sudden weight loss could also be possible indicators. When you experience one or more of these potential symptoms, please reach out to our team right away!
The Screening and Treatment Process
The screening process will involve a close and detailed examination of your smile with advanced imaging systems, beaming us to obtain clear images of your smile and spot areas that are potentially cancerous or precancerous. When we find areas like these, we may refer you for a biopsy, in which a small sample is taken of the impacted tissues and tested for the disease. You can then start treatment with a doctor if needed. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, of the estimated 53, 000 people who will be diagnosed with the disease, half will succumb to it in just five years. While the disease is very treatable, it is rarely caught in the early stages. But if you see us every six months, we can screen regularly and boost the chances of a full recovery!
Reducing Your Overall Risk
You can also take steps to limit your overall risk too. For example, keep an eye on your smile for any changes in color or sensitivity. If you are going to be outside, wear sunscreen and preventive clothing to help safeguard you from excessive UV light exposure. If you drink alcohol do so in moderation and avoid any and all tobacco products. These actions can protect from oral cancer, as well as multiple other forms of cancer too!
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR SCREENINGS?
We want to help you improve and maintain your oral health with regular visits for preventive checkups. To find out more about our annual screening appointments, you can call Dr. Browne in Prairie Village, KS, at 913-901-8585.
