Thousands of people die from oral cancer every year in the U.S. Like most types of cancer, oral or mouth cancer can be treated more effectively when identified early. Unfortunately, there are often no early signs of oral cancer, and it may not be found until it spreads to another area. At Green Meadow Dental, we offer oral cancer screening that can detect mouth cancer in the early stages at our dental center in Newington, CT.
Anyone can be a victim of oral cancer, but there are risk factors. Those who use alcohol or tobacco are at higher risk for oral cancers. Individuals with a history of HPV may be more susceptible to these cancers of the mouth and throat. Age and gender also play roles. Men are twice as likely as women to succumb to oral cancer, and those 55 years and older are more susceptible to mouth and throat cancers.
While most people do not have symptoms early on with oral cancer, there are possible signs. Mouth sores that do not heal or changes in the tissues in the oral cavity can be warning signs. Some people may experience a hoarse or sore throat. Lumps or discolorations in the mouth should be examined by a doctor or dentist.
Identify Mouth Cancer Early
Oral cancer screening can be quickly performed during your routine checkups. Our dentist will carefully examine your oral tissue and scan for changes that may be invisible to the naked eye. This non-invasive screening may be the tool needed to identify mouth cancer in the early stages before it spreads to other areas of the body. When caught early, the prognosis is favorable for patients with oral cancer. The survival rate increases significantly if patients can receive treatment early, versus a high fatality rate for patients in the later stages of mouth or throat cancer.
Preventive oral care can protect your smile and overall health. At Green Meadow Dental, we care about your health and want to help you live a long and quality life. To schedule your next checkup and oral cancer screening, contact our office. We can book your next visit to our dental center in Newington, CT, for your preventive oral care.
