Oral Cancer Screening When people mention preventative dental practices, many patients simply think of getting their teeth cleaned and examined. Preventative dentistry includes much more than just a simple cleaning, however. Our professionals at Osborne Dentistry are always looking for ways to better serve our patients.One way that we have sought to accomplish this goal is by including an oral cancer screening during every dental exam. An oral cancer screening simply involves our professionals carefully inspecting your oral cavity for any unusual growths or developments. This can include things such as a lump or bump in your mouth or on your gums. Sores that do not heal or go away are also another common indicator of oral cancer that our team checks for during these screenings. If anything abnormal is detected, our professionals will connect you with the appropriate healthcare professionals needed to conduct further follow-up. Generally, any abnormal growth is biopsied to determine if it is malignant. A biopsy is simply a surgical procedure that involves removing a tiny portion of the growth and sending it to the lab for analysis. This simple procedure can allow your doctors and our professionals to work together to best treat you. How Common Is Oral Cancer?Based on data collected by the Mayo Clinic, approximately 3% of all new cancer cases diagnosed each year in the United States are a form of oral cancer. These diagnoses are most common in men over the age of 40, but women are also at risk. Certain risk factors and conditions can increase your risk of oral cancer. The vast majority of oral cancers are linked to tobacco or alcohol use. Infection with certain chronic diseases such as HPV can also increase the risk of contracting oral cancer. Oral cancer screenings are important, even if you do not have any of the risk factors. Early detection of oral cancer or pre-cancerous developments can significantly improve the success rates of any treatment plans and help you have a favorable outcome. How Is Oral Cancer Treated?Oral cancer is treated very similarly to other forms of cancer. However, special care must be taken to protect the structures of the oral cavity and airway. Generally speaking, surgery is used to remove the cancerous material as soon as is safely possible to do so. The surgical treatment route is paired with other treatments in many cases. After surgery, many patients will receive either chemotherapy or radiation therapy to kill cancer cells that may not have been removed during the surgery. Some patients receive both chemo and radiation, depending on their needs. Once the cancer treatments are complete, our professionals can utilize various surgical procedures to reconstruct your teeth and gums. These corrective procedures are often needed when a large growth or multiple growths are removed, resulting in damage to your oral cavity. The best way to combat oral cancer is to take a proactive approach. This means getting regular oral cancer screenings from our professionals at Osborne Dentistry and receiving any follow-up treatment promptly if it is recommended. You can schedule your appointment with us by calling our office at 541-451-4300 today. |