Oral Cancer ScreeningOral cancer is cancer of the mouth. It can start anywhere in your mouth, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, and gums. This type of cancer is the largest group of head and neck cancers and affects over 40,000 Americans every year. Early detection and treatment of oral cancer are essential for improving your chances of restoring the health of your mouth and your quality of life. Without it, oral cancer can be fatal. While early detection is so important, early stages are often difficult to detect. The Dentists at North Cypress can spot the earliest warning signs of oral cancer with oral cancer screenings. Am I at Risk for Oral Cancer?Oral cancer is a dangerous disease that can affect just about anyone. There are some factors. However, that can increase your risk of developing the disease. These risk factors include:
What are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?The earliest symptoms of oral cancer are very difficult to detect, which means that the disease can go unnoticed for quite a while before you ever notice anything is wrong. Symptoms of oral cancer include:
What is an Oral Cancer Screening?An oral cancer screening is a normal part of your routine dental exams. As we examine your teeth and gums for signs of decay, cavities, physical damage, and infections, we also look over your intraoral tissues for signs of oral cancer. These screenings are performed at every dental exam. It is a quick and painless process, and you may not even be aware that it is happening. What if an Abnormality is Found?If we do find something unusual, a closer examination is needed. During this exam, we look closely at the abnormality and take X-rays. We may also perform a soft tissue biopsy. This is a procedure in which a small amount of the abnormality is removed from your mouth. We are then able to examine the tissue under a microscope. We can then detect, or rule out, the presence of cancerous or precancerous cells. If you are diagnosed with oral cancer, we can then help you to get the immediate treatment you need. Early detection of oral cancer allows for immediate treatment, which helps to improve your quality of life and your chances of making a full recovery. For more information about oral cancer screenings, and to schedule your next dental exam, call The Dentists at North Cypress today at (281) 664-8100. |
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