Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer develops in the mouth like a sore on the throat, lips, tongue, cheeks, sinuses, hard and soft palate, the floor of the mouth and pharynx, caused by unmanageable growth of cells damaging the surrounding tissues. If it isn’t diagnosed or treated early, it can prove to be fatal. 

Symptoms of Oral cancer

The symptoms of oral cancer comprise of:

• The lips, gums, or other areas inside the mouth could be swollen, thickened. There could be the formation of lumps or bumps, or signs of eroded areas, rough or crusts as well. 
• There might be developing velvety white, red, or speckled patches in the mouth.
• There could be uncontrollable bleeding in the mouth. 
• It might also cause numbness, including pain/tenderness in any part of the face, mouth, or neck.
• There might be extreme difficulty in chewing or swallowing, speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue.
• It might cause Hoarseness, chronic sore throat, or change in voice.
• Real bad ear pain.
• There might be a drastic loss in weight.

Factors developing Oral Cancer

• Some risky factors can cause oral cancer. It can include:
• Smokers or chain smokers are six times more likely to get oral cancer than non-smokers.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to oral cancer.
• Any ancestral or genetic history. 
• Getting too exposed to the sun at a very young age.
• Some Human papillomavirus strains are etiologically high-risk factors for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Oral Cancer Diagnoses

Your dentists will conduct an oral cancer screening exam to check if you have any of the oral cancer symptoms or signs. 

A biopsy will be recommended to be conducted on the area considered suspicious. There are certain types of biopsies, like brush biopsy, scalpel biopsies, incisional, and excisional. Sometimes, some biopsies are performed with lasers. Your dentist will suggest which one is best for you.

Preventions for oral cancer

• In order to prevent oral cancer, it’s better not to smoke or use any tobacco products and have control over drinking alcohol.
• It is also vital to have a balanced diet.
• Do not get too exposed to the sun. Excessive exposure can increase the risk of cancer on the lip, especially the lower lip. You should always use sunscreen or lotions that have UV-A/B-blocking property.

Meet your dentist on the scheduled appointments to get regularly checked. It is essential to get your mouth examined by your dentist before it is too late.

Find out more about oral cancer screening as you visit our office. Call Silicon Dental today at 408-238-5500 or request an appointment online.