At Victoria Point Dental, they believe in providing our patients with the best possible care. That’s why they recommend oral cancer screenings for all our patients. Oral cancer screenings are a simple and effective way to detect cancer early and give patients the best chance at successful treatment. That blog post will discuss the importance of regular oral cancer screenings and why Dentist Victoria Point recommends them for all our patients.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects the mouth, throat, lips, and other areas of the face. It can involve any part of the oral cavity, such as the tongue, gums, inner lining of the cheeks, and the roof or floor of the mouth. It may also involve the glands and tissues around the mouth, including the salivary glands. Oral cancer can range from mild to aggressive. Symptoms of oral cancer include difficulty swallowing, a sore throat, lumps in the neck, ear pain, bad breath, numbness in the face, white patches on the gums or inside the mouth, sores that do not heal, and unexplained bleeding in the mouth. Left untreated, it can cause serious health issues such as disfigurement or death. Early detection is critical to a successful outcome, so regular visits to your dentist at Victoria Point Dental are essential to help identify any potential signs or symptoms of oral cancer.
What Are The Risk Factors For Developing Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer can affect anyone, but certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing the disease. Tobacco use, including smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco, is one of the most significant risk factors for oral cancer. The use of alcohol, especially when combined with tobacco use, is also an important risk factor. Other risk factors include:
- Frequent and long-term exposure to ultraviolet light or sunlight.
- A diet low in fruits and vegetables.
- A family history of oral cancer.
- A weakened immune system.
- A history of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
Anyone with these risk factors should ensure they get an oral cancer screening at least once a year.
How Can You Prevent Myself From Getting Oral Cancer?
Preventing oral cancer is always the best way to protect your health. There are a few steps you can take to reduce your risk.
- First, avoid or quit using tobacco products. Both smoking and smokeless tobacco increase your risk for oral cancer. You should also limit your alcohol consumption, as it can also increase your risk.
- Second, practice good oral hygiene. That includes brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily, eating a balanced diet, and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.
- Third, protect yourself from the sun. Oral cancer is linked to excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, so wearing protective clothing and sunscreen can help prevent it.
- Finally, consider getting an oral cancer screening. At Victoria Point Dental, they recommend oral cancer screenings for all our patients. A dentist examines your mouth for any signs of abnormal cells during a screening. Early detection can significantly improve the outcome of treatment, so they suggest that our patients get these screenings at least once a year.
These steps will help you stay healthy and decrease your chances of developing oral cancer.
What Are The Symptoms Of Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer often goes unnoticed for a long time because the early symptoms may be very subtle and easily confused with other minor ailments. Common signs and symptoms of oral cancer include:
- -Swelling or lumps in the neck, jaw, face, or mouth
- -Persistent sore throat, hoarseness, or changes in the voice
- -Pain or numbness in the mouth or lips
- -White or red patches on the inside of the mouth or tongue
- -Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- -Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- -Loosening of teeth
- -A continuous lousy breath or bad taste in the mouth
- -A lump in the cheek
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to see a dentist or physician immediately. Early detection of oral cancer is critical to successful treatment and improved patient outcomes. Your dentist at Victoria Point Dental can provide an Oral Cancer Screening to help determine if any further testing is necessary.
How Is Oral Cancer Diagnosed?
Oral cancer is usually diagnosed through a physical examination. During the exam, your dentist or doctor will check for any lumps or abnormal growths in your mouth and changes in your oral tissues. They may also take a biopsy of the suspicious area to examine it under a microscope and make a diagnosis. Your dentist or doctor may use special tools during the physical examination such as a tongue depressor, an otoscope, and an endoscope. The purpose of these tools is to look for any signs of oral cancer. An otoscope looks inside the ear canal, while an endoscope is inserted into the mouth to view the throat and vocal cords.
In addition to a physical examination, your doctor may order imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans to better look at the suspected area. These tests can help your doctor assess the extent of the cancer and whether or not it has spread to other areas of the body. It is important to remember that oral cancer can be challenging to diagnose, so it is essential to see a doctor if you notice any changes in your mouth or throat. Early diagnosis can lead to better treatment outcomes and improved prognosis.
What Are The Treatment Options For Oral Cancer AT Dentist Victoria Point QLD?
The treatment for oral cancer at Dentist Victoria Point QLD depends on the stage and type of cancer and the patient’s overall health. Treatment options typically include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Surgery: Surgery is usually the first line of treatment for oral cancer. During surgery, the tumor or just a portion of it may be removed. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, doctors may also remove nearby tissues such as lymph nodes and salivary glands to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays to kill cancer cells. It is often combined with surgery or chemotherapy to reduce the risk of recurrence. Radiation beams are directed at the tumor from different angles to target it precisely during that treatment.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells. It is often used in combination with radiation therapy to increase the effectiveness of treatment. The drugs are typically administered either orally or intravenously.
Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival. These drugs can be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
What Is The Prognosis For Oral Cancer?
The prognosis for oral cancer depends on various factors, including the tumor’s stage, the tumor, the location of the tumor, and the patient’s overall health. Generally, if caught early, oral cancer has a good prognosis with approximately a 75% survival rate after five years. However, the survival rate is much lower if the cancer has advanced to a more severe stage. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination.
Unfortunately, no matter how early the cancer is detected, some patients may experience long-term complications that can be disabling or even life-threatening. The most common long-term complication is xerostomia (dry mouth), which can cause difficulty eating, swallowing, and speaking. There is also a risk of secondary cancers due to radiation therapy. In addition, other potential long-term problems include disfigurement, lymphedema (swelling caused by fluid retention), and nerve damage.
Conclusions
At Victoria Point Dental, they recommend that all our patients receive regular oral cancer screenings to ensure their overall dental health and safety. Oral cancer is a severe condition that can have devastating effects, so it’s important to detect and diagnose it as soon as possible. By being aware of the risk factors, symptoms, and treatments associated with oral cancer, you can reduce your chances of developing it. If you are at a higher risk, consider talking to your dentist about additional screening and preventive measures. Early detection and treatment can help improve the prognosis for those who develop oral cancer.
