Advanced Oral Cancer Screening in Delray Beach, FL
When one North American dies every hour of every day, and the mortality rate from this disease hasn’t been reduced significantly within the past three decades, it’s become obvious that we have neglected the importance of an advanced oral cancer screening. Don’t be a statistic! Call us to set up your advanced oral cancer screening today. It’s a minimal financial investment that could save your life.
Facts about oral cancer
- Approximately 45,750 North Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year
- Only a little more than half of those 45,750 will still be alive within 5 years
- If you are sexually active, you are at risk for oral cancer
- The majority of oral cancer victims smoke, chew tobacco and consume alcohol
- While victims have traditionally been over 40 years of age, more younger, sexually active people are now being diagnosed
What are the risk factors for oral cancer?
While there are many risk factors for oral cancer, below are a few main factors involved:
- Age – Adults over 40 are historically more at risk than others
- Viral infections such as HPV, HPV16 (particularly in the back of the mouth) and HPV18
- Lichen planus – an inflammatory disease of the oral soft tissue
What are some signs and symptoms of oral cancer?
While this form of cancer typically goes unnoticed in its early stages, our expert dentists at Advanced Dentistry South Florida are able to see the cancer while it is still at or near its smallest stage. Your dentist may see a small, white or reddish area in the tissue of the mouth which is an indication of oral cancer. Another sign may be a single ulcer visible to your dentist that resembles a canker sore.
The inside our your mouth will go through tissue changes due to biting, scraping or scratching for various reasons. If you notice that a bite or tear hasn’t healed within a couple of weeks, it is recommended that you call us right away to get it check out. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
What can I do to help prevent oral cancer?
You’ve heard it before that smoking and chewing tobacco can lead to many health risks. If you are a smoker, or if you chew tobacco, try your best to find help so you can quit. If you do not wish to quit, health experts have recommended that adults 18 years of age and older schedule an oral cancer screening once a year. However, if an adult 18 years of age or older smokes, or chews tobacco, it is recommended to schedule an oral cancer screening every six months. Quitting tobacco is just one example of how you can help prevent oral cancer. Call our office today to find out more ways in which you can help.
What happens if my dentist finds oral cancer present?
If our dental professionals find any form of oral cancer after performing an advanced oral cancer screening, typically we will recommend a further examination. An oral pathologist may be the next step. If this is the case, the oral pathologist will evaluate the biopsy of the area in question and determine if it is, in fact oral cancer. In the event that the biopsy comes back positive for pre-cancerous or cancerous tissue, we will go over what the next step is with you to find the appropriate treatment.
The good news is that if you have been diligent with your oral cancer screenings and we find oral cancer in its beginning stages, the survival rate is extremely high. So be sure to keep up with your regularly scheduled hygiene appointments and regularly scheduled oral cancer screening. Your body will thank you for it, and so will your family!
If you have any questions or concerns that may not have been answered above, please feel free to call our dental professionals at 561-495-2099 or visit our contact page for more information. We look forward to helping you schedule your next appointment and get you on your way to a healthier, happier smile!
