Oral cancer is a serious and often deadly disease that can affect any part of the mouth, including the tongue, lips, gums, and throat. The good news is that oral cancer can often be detected early through regular oral cancer screenings. In this blog post, we will discuss why oral cancer screening is important and how it is done.
Why is oral cancer screening important?
Oral cancer screening is important for several reasons:
- Early detection: Like all cancers, the earlier oral cancer is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment and survival.
- Risk factors: Certain lifestyle habits, such as tobacco and alcohol use, increase the risk of developing oral cancer. Oral cancer screening is especially important for people who have these risk factors.
- Peace of mind: Oral cancer screening can help provide peace of mind by detecting any potential issues and allowing for prompt treatment.
How is oral cancer screening done?
Oral cancer screening is typically done during a routine dental exam. Here’s what to expect during an oral cancer screening:
- Visual exam: The dentist will first visually examine the inside of your mouth, including your lips, gums, tongue, and the roof and floor of your mouth, looking for any unusual growths or lesions.
- Physical exam: The dentist will then physically examine the inside of your mouth, feeling for any lumps or abnormalities.
- Additional testing: If the dentist detects anything suspicious, they may recommend additional testing, such as a biopsy or imaging tests.
Conclusion
Oral cancer is a serious disease that can be detected early through regular oral cancer screening. If you have risk factors for oral cancer, such as tobacco or alcohol use, or if you have any concerns about your oral health, be sure to talk to Dr. Hughes at our Sterling, VA location about scheduling an oral cancer screening. Early detection and treatment can make all the difference in successfully treating oral cancer.
