Oral Cancer Screenings for a long life of healthy, cancer-free smiles!
An oral cancer screening is an examination your dentist can perform during a routine dental visit to detect signs of gum cancer, throat cancer, or other types of cancer in your mouth. During an oral cancer screening, Dr. Shruti Jadeja from White Sage Dentistry, Salem, Oregon, will examine your gums, lips, cheeks, tongue, tonsils, and the floor and roof of your mouth to detect abnormalities that could be signs of oral cancer. When caught early enough, oral cancer can be treated.
Oral Cancer Causes
A mutation of DNA cells in your mouth causes oral cancer. Why these cells mutate is unknown, but certain factors increase your risk of developing this disease. These factors include excessive tobacco use, heavy drinking, overexposure to the sun, and a weak immune system caused by poor nutrition.
Mouth Cancer Treatment
There are various options for mouth cancer treatment depending on the location of the cancer, its severity, your overall health, and personal preference. These options include radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery.
Key Facts You Should Know about Oral Cancer and Oral Cancer Screenings
The following facts provide greater insight into oral cancer and the importance of oral cancer screenings.
- Oral cancer is very common, and statistics show that this disease is on the rise
- If you smoke or use tobacco products regularly or drink heavily, you’re at greater risk of getting oral cancer
- Oral cancer can develop anywhere in your mouth, including your lips, tongue, roof or floor of your mouth, gums, cheeks, salivary glands, throat, and even behind your wisdom teeth
- Oral cancer screenings can be done quickly and painlessly at your dentist’s office to detect early warning signs of this disease
- The only way to confirm that you have oral cancer is to have a biopsy done. A biopsy is when your dentist removes abnormal cells from your mouth or throat and sends them to a lab for testing
- Oral cancer screenings help detect oral cancer in its early stages when it’s more treatable
To schedule an oral cancer screening at White Sage Dentistry in Salem, OR, contact Dr. Shruti Jadeja at (503) 877-1626.
What is an oral cancer screening, and how does it detect cancer?
An oral cancer screening is a routine examination of the oral cavity for signs of cancer. During this thorough examination, your dentist will carefully examine your gums, cheeks, lips, tongue, tonsils, and the roof and floor of your mouth for any abnormalities or potential signs of cancer. If any abnormalities are found, a biopsy will be taken and sent to a lab for testing to identify if cancer is present.
Who should get an oral cancer screening?
Anyone can benefit from an oral cancer screening as there are no downsides to the exam. Those who have higher risk factors for oral cancer may benefit from more regular oral cancer screenings. Risk factors include tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, history or family history of oral cancer, excessive sun exposure, and a weak immune system.
How often should you get an oral cancer screening?
How frequently you need to have oral cancer screenings depends on your risk factors. Most people can benefit from an oral cancer screening during their regular dental checkups every six months, but some people who are at increased risk of developing oral cancer may require more frequent screenings.
Why are oral cancer screenings important and how common is oral cancer?
Oral cancer is actually quite common and is becoming increasingly more common. Oral cancer screenings can help to identify cancer in the earliest stages when treatment can be less invasive and more likely to be successful. As with any cancer screenings, oral cancer screenings provide early detection which is proven to save lives.
