Oral Cancer Screenings- Symptoms To Look Out For

Oral cancer is a serious but treatable condition if caught in its early stages. Knowing the signs and getting regular screenings can help save lives. In this article, we’ll discuss the symptoms of oral cancer and how regular oral cancer screenings can help detect this potentially deadly disease.

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that affects any part of the oral cavity, including the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard palate, soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx. Oral cancer is more common in adults over the age of 45, but it can affect adults of any age, including children.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer:

The most common symptoms of oral cancer are

• Sores in the mouth that don’t heal after a few weeks,
• White or red patches on the oral mucosa,
• Persistent hoarseness or sore throat,
• Numbness in the lips or tongue,
• Difficulty swallowing, and
• Jaw pain.

If you experience any of these symptoms for more than two weeks, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional right away.

Treatment Options:

If oral cancer is caught in its early stages, it can be treated with surgery to remove the affected tissue. Depending on the stage of the cancer, chemotherapy and/or radiation may also be necessary. It’s important to consult with our healthcare professionals at TruSmile Dental to determine the best treatment option for you.

Why Regular Screenings are Important:

Regular oral cancer screenings are important in order to detect oral cancer as early as possible. Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment, and it can save lives. During an oral cancer screening, the dentist will look for signs of oral cancer and irregularities in the oral cavity. If any changes or abnormalities are noticed, further testing may be recommended.

Oral Cancer Screenings in Calgary:

It’s important to get regular oral cancer screenings in Calgary, especially for adults over the age of 45. Most dentists offer oral cancer screenings as part of their routine dental exams. If you have any questions or concerns about oral cancer, your dentist can provide more information and help you decide if oral cancer screenings are right for you.

Signs You Should Visit a Dentist for an Oral Cancer Screening:

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Additionally, if you notice pain or swelling in the oral cavity that doesn’t go away after a few weeks, or if you have any other oral health concerns, it’s best to visit our Calgary dentist for an oral cancer screening.

Conclusion

Oral cancer is a serious but treatable condition that can be detected in its early stages through regular screenings. Knowing the signs of oral cancer and visiting your dentist for oral cancer screenings in Calgary can help save lives. It’s important to contact your dentist if you have any symptoms or oral health concerns that don’t go away after a few weeks.

FAQs:

Q: How often should I get oral cancer screenings?

A: Most dentists recommend oral cancer screenings every two years for adults over the age of 45. However, if you have any oral health concerns or suspicious symptoms, it’s best to contact your dentist right away.

Q: Can oral cancer be treated?

A: Yes, oral cancer can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation depending on the stage of the cancer. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment option for you.

Q: What should I look for when visiting a dentist for oral cancer screenings in Calgary?

A: When visiting your dentist for oral cancer screenings, they will look for any signs of oral cancer or irregularities in the oral cavity. If any changes or abnormalities are noticed, further testing may be recommended.