Oral Cancer Screening
An oral cancer screening is a simple yet possibly life-saving test that can help detect any early signs of oral cancer. During the oral cancer screening, we will look for abnormal cells and tissues in your mouth, which could indicate a possible cancer threat. These screenings usually take very little time to complete, and they are mostly done during a regular dental check-up or exam. For many patients, cancer is most treatable during its early stages. That is why it is so important to check regularly for it, because if we do find oral cancer during a screening process, the chances of successful treatment are significantly higher. We here at at HomeTown Dental, Fort Worth (Sycamore) strongly recommend routine oral cancer screenings, especially if you have any symptoms, signs, or even habits that could lead to oral cancer.
How Are Oral Cancer Screenings Conducted?
The oral cancer screening usually is conducted during a regular dental exam. During a regular dental exam, if other test results or your previous oral health history points towards the possibility of precancerous lesions, then we may recommend an oral cancer screening. In case you already have any dental complications such as dentures, it may take a little longer to perform this portion of the exam. Otherwise, oral cancer screening usually takes less than five minutes (unless there is a need for other tests, as well).
During the oral cancer screening, we will look for abnormal cells and tissues inside your mouth. This can include suspicious spots and lumps in your mouth, which may be signs of early cancer stages or precancerous lesions. You may need to rinse your mouth with blue dye, which helps us in identifying these unusual cells. Lastly, if we find anything suspicious, we will give you any necessary treatment instructions. Otherwise, if you do not have any signs or symptoms, we may advise a follow-up appointment to confirm our findings.
Is Oral Cancer Screening Necessary?
Regular oral cancer screening can help identify cancer at an early stage, when success rates for these cancer treatments are significantly higher. According to medical research, if found early, the five-year survival rate for oral cancer is an impressive 84 percent. If not caught early, it plummets to a mere 29 percent. These survival rates strongly highlight the need for regular oral cancer screenings.
Some bad habits, health complications, and other factors increase the chance of oral cancer. Any kind of tobacco use, whether it is chewing tobacco or snuff, or smoking cigarettes, cigars, and pipes, can increase your chances of getting oral cancer. Other bad habits, such as heavy alcohol consumption, may also lead to the development of oral cancer. If you have previously been diagnosed with oral cancer, then there is a high chance of it coming back. An increasing number of oral cancer patients are being associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV).
If these habits or factors play a significant role in your life, then we recommend you get oral cancer screening, as these factors increase your chances of getting oral cancer. To schedule an appointment with us, as well as an oral cancer screening, please contact us here at HomeTown Dental, Fort Worth (Sycamore) at (817) 224-2251 today to book your appointment with us.