Why is Oral Cancer Screening Important in Middletown?
During your regular dental cleaning and checkup, it is important to have them check your mouth for oral cancer. When visiting your oral cancer screening dentist, simply request an easy screening that could reveal symptoms and signs of this ailment. Remember, the early detection of cancer is the key to successful treatment. These screenings are critical because oral cancer is treatable if caught at an early stage. Before visiting your dentist, it is important to understand the answer to the question: why is oral cancer screening important in Middletown? Keep reading for more information!
Why Get an Oral Cancer Screening?
The purpose of a screening is to detect mouth cancer or lesions that could lead to mouth cancer in an early stage. If you catch it early enough, these lesions or cancer can easily be removed, and the area can be cured. The number of individuals diagnosed with oral cancer has risen in recent years, but experts do not agree with why.
Am I At Risk for Oral Cancer?
Several factors contribute to your risk level for oral cancer including:
- Age – those over the age of 40 are more at risk.
- Alcohol use.
- Diet.
- Gender – more are more susceptible.
- Human papillomavirus.
- Sun exposure.
- Tobacco use.
These are proven factors that contribute to those who have oral cancer. However, there are a growing number of people who do not have any of these risk factors and just develop the ailment. That means if you do not have any of these risk factors, getting a regular oral cancer screening is still important.
What are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?
When an oral cancer screening dentist performs the assessment, they look for these symptoms:
- A hard spot or lump in your mouth.
- Continuously bleeding or unhealed spots.
- Pain or numbness when you bite down.
- White or red patches inside your mouth.
The best option for preventing oral cancer is through regular screenings during your 6-month checkup. Although you will not receive an immediate diagnosis because the tissue must be sent to a lab for analysis, you will have the results in a short time. If you experience any of the above symptoms, then it is critical to go to a dentist immediately for a screening. Do not wait until your next checkup.
To learn more about oral cancer screening and why it is important, contact Titus dentistry at (765) 358-5868 to schedule an appointment.
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