|
Each year, 30,000 Americans
will be diagnosed with oral cancer. source
Your
oral cancer screening is an important procedure that is performed at
each 6 month cleaning
appointment. It is important because when it is detected in its early
stages, oral cancer is very curable.How do you know that your dentist
is performing an oral cancer screening?What is he looking for?How is he
going to
recognize the early signs of cancer? Is he using the tools available to
him when examining my mouth?
Your dentist will inspect
your face, neck, lips, and mouth to look for any signs of cancer. He is looking for any
sores or irritation to the tissues such as red or white patches. He
will also inspect your
lymph nodes under the jaw to look for signs of infection.He is feeling
for any lumps or bumps that are painless but if they are hard and
enlarged it may be a sign of cancer.He will use a small piece of gauze
to pull your tongue to one side, then the other to check the underside
of the tongue and floor of the mouth.He will look at the roof of your
mouth and then ask you to say “aahh” in order to
inspect the tonsil area.
If he finds anything suspicious
he may ask if you have bitten your tongue or cheek or maybe burned the
roof of your mouth.If you notice a sore that does not heal
within 10-14 days you need to have it evaluated by a dentist! Your
dentist will most likely refer you to an oral surgeon to have a biopsy.
Our office now offers an
adjunctive oral cancer tool to evaluate suspicious lesions. This tool illuminates the
mouth to allow the dentist to see suspicious lesions more clearly than
with just a dental light.The patient swishes with a 1% acetic acid
solution for 30 seconds, and then the dentist uses a LED light to
inspect the mouth.This is a painless, non-invasive 3-minute exam that
can save lives. If you are a smoker, heavy drinker, or
smokeless tobacco user you are automatically in a higher risk group.
You especially may want to consider adding this service at least once
every year or two.
There
is a minimal cost to add this advanced soft tissue examination to your
regular checkup.Ask about it at your next 6 month appointment.
|
