Oral Cancer Exam
Oral cancer can easily by diagnosed with an annual oral cancer exam, and effectively treated when caught in its earliest stages.
PREVENTATIVE CARE DENTAL SERVICES
The importance of an oral cancer exam
According to research conducted by the American Cancer society, more than 30,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. More than 7,000 of these cases result in the death of the patient. The good news is that oral cancer can easily by diagnosed with an annual oral cancer exam, and effectively treated when caught in its earliest stages.
Oral cancer is a pathological process which begins with an asymptomatic stage during which the usual cancer signs may not be readily noticeable. This makes the oral cancer examinations performed by the dentist critically important. Oral cancers can be of varied histologic types such as teratoma adenocarcinoma and melanoma. The most common type of oral cancer is the malignant squamous cell carcinoma. This oral cancer type usually originates in lip and mouth tissues.
There are many different places in the oral cavity and maxillofacial region in which oral cancers commonly occur, including:
Lips
Mouth
Tongue
Salivary Glands
Oropharyngeal Region (throat)
Gums
Face
TREATMENT
Reasons for oral cancer examinations
It is important to note that around 75 percent of oral cancers are linked with modifiable behaviors such as smoking, tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption. Forbes Dental Care can provide literature and education on making lifestyle changes and smoking cessation.
When oral cancer is diagnosed in its earliest stages, treatment is generally very effective. Any noticeable abnormalities in the tongue, gums, mouth or surrounding area should be evaluated by a health professional as quickly as possible. During the oral cancer exam, the dentist and dental hygienist will by scrutinizing the maxillofacial and oral regions carefully for signs of pathological changes.
HOW IT WORKS
The oral cancer examination is a completely painless process
During the visual part of the examination, Dr. Forbes will look for abnormalities and refer you to an oral surgeon if further procedures are needed such as a biopsy. The following signs will be investigated during a routine oral cancer exam:
Red patches and sores
Red patches on the floor of the mouth, the front and sides of the tongue, white or pink patches which fail to heal and slow healing sores that bleed easily can be indicative o pathologic (cancerous) changes.
Leukoplakia
This is a hardened white or gray, slightly raised lesion that can appear anywhere inside the mouth. Leukoplakia can be cancerous, or may become cancerous if treatment is not sought.
Lumps
Soreness, lumps or the general thickening of tissue anywhere in the throat or mouth can signal pathological problems.
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