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Dentist in Clemmons, NC: What You Need To Know About Oral Cancer Screening

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In the United States, oral cancer affects approximately 1.7% of men and approximately 0.7% of women. Fortunately, the early detection and treatment of this cancer generally yield positive results. 

This is why oral cancer screening is recommended for anyone over the age of 20. Are you interested in undergoing an oral cancer screening? Looking to learn more about these screenings beforehand? 

Take it from a dentist in Clemmons NC: here's everything you need to know about oral cancer screening. 

What Is Examined During an Oral Cancer Screening?

First, we're going to discuss what's examined during an oral cancer screening. Generally speaking, it includes an examination of the following:

The Lining of the Cheeks

The buccal mucosa is a cancer that affects the lining of the cheeks. It presents itself as a white or red bump that has persisted past 2 weeks. Your dentist will assess your cheek lining to ensure that no bumps are present. 

The Floor/Roof of Your Mouth

Your dentist will also assess the floor and roof of your mouth. They'll assess it not only visually but with their fingers as well, feeling for bumps and protrusions. 

The Gums

It can be difficult to tell the difference between cold sores, general decay, and cancerous spots. Therefore, your dentist will assess your gums to determine whether any tumors have developed. 

The Lips

Another part of your body that's assessed during an oral cancer screening is the lips. Like the gums, the lips are prone to cold sores. Therefore, it can sometimes be difficult to tell whether they're inflicted with cancerous growths or not. Your dentist will help you make this determination. 

The Tonsils

It's exceedingly difficult to catch a good glimpse of your tonsils. Fortunately, dentists have tools that can facilitate this. They'll use these tools to assess your tonsils and determine whether they're cancer-free. 

The Tongue

Tongue cancer is a form of oral cancer. Therefore, your dentist will assess your tongue both visually and physically to determine whether it contains any cancerous spots.

Why Should You Undergo Oral Cancer Screenings?

As was noted in the introduction to this article, oral cancer affects around 1.7% of American men and around 0.7% of American women. As such, it's not common. That said, it still affects around 50,000 Americans yearly, and you could be one of them. 

Now, if you catch this cancer early in its existence, there's a good chance that you'll survive it. However, if you don't, it could spread, and could eventually result in your death. 

The 5-year survival rate for oral cancer is around 60%. That means that, if you have oral cancer for 5 years, you have a 2/5 chance of dying from it. 

There's no reason to let it get to this point. Get screened so that you can catch oral cancer early. As long as you catch it early, you stand a greater chance of surviving it. 

How Often Should You Receive an Oral Cancer Screening?

Oral cancer screenings are recommended for anyone over the age of 20. Those between 20 and 40 should receive a screening at least once every 3 years. Those over the age of 40 should receive a screening yearly. 

Note that oral cancer screenings are generally carried out as a standard part of every oral health inspection. Therefore, every time you have a checkup with your dentist, you're likely going to be screened for cancer.

What Happens if Cancerous Spots Are Discovered?

Your local dentist can screen you for oral cancer. However, they can't diagnose you. Therefore, if your dentist finds spots that they believe to be cancerous, they'll have you schedule an appointment with an oncologist. 

Your oncologist will run several tests to determine whether the spots are, indeed, cancerous. If they are discovered to be cancerous, your oncologist will devise a treatment plan for you. You'll then have to attend regular appointments to carry out this treatment plan.

Signs That You May Need an Oral Cancer Screening

As was noted, you should undergo an oral cancer screening every 1 to 3 years, depending on your age. That said, there are some situations in which you undergo a screening sooner than that. Here are some signs that you may need an oral cancer screening right away. 

You Feel a New Lump in Your Mouth

A sure sign that you need an oral cancer screening is that you feel a new lump somewhere in your mouth. It doesn't matter whether it's on the top of the mouth, the bottom of the mouth, the tongue, the gums, or otherwise; if that lump has been there for 2 weeks or more, it could very well be cancerous. 

You Feel a New Pain in Your Mouth

Another sign that you should undergo an oral cancer screening is that you feel a new pain in your mouth. Now, this could just be a cavity or cold sore or something else of that sort. However, it could also be the result of cancer, especially if it's remained over 2 or more weeks. 

There's Discoloration in Your Mouth

You should also keep an eye out for discoloration in your mouth. If there's a bright red or white spot on your cheek, tongue, gums, mouth roof, or mouth floor, it could very well be cancer. Only by undergoing a screening can you tell for sure. 

There's an Asymmetry in Your Face

One last sign that you need an oral cancer screening is that there's an asymmetry in your face. For instance, if your jaw juts out more on one side than on the other, you could have a tumor growing in your mouth. Your dentist will assess the inside of your mouth to determine whether there's any cause for concern. 

In Need of an Oral Cancer Screening?

Do you need an oral cancer screening? Looking for a dentist in Clemmons NC? Look no further than Rice & Associates, DDS. 

We provide the utmost in dental care and facilitate oral cancer screenings regularly. Our warm and friendly team looks forward to helping you. 

Contact us now to schedule an appointment! 

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