Just as an architect can find the flaws in a blueprint or layout, a dentist during your routine checkup looks for signs of oral cancer. His advice may sound tedious and unvaried, but those exact words go a long way in preventing and treating poor oral health, including identifying the early stages of mouth cancer.
Here are some points you should keep in mind:
What Are Some Symptoms And Signs Of Oral Cancer:
Early symptoms of mouth cancer are a cold or a simple toothache. So when you feel that shiver down your spine, consider visiting a doctor because the sooner you can get your feet under you, the sooner oral cancer, if it is present, gets diagnosed.
Some symptoms of mouth cancer include:
- Soars in your mouth will not recover quickly.
- You will feel a lump in the cheek or other areas of the mouth.
- A discolored patch on the gums or tongue.
- You will have difficulty in swallowing, chewing, and moving your jaw.
- There will be swelling in the jaw.
- Your weight will drop at an extreme level.
- Continous bad breath.
The sooner your doctor diagnoses your mouth cancer, the better chances of treatment are there as there will be more options to chose from. So when your doctor gives your the news, start acting quickly.
Is Screening A Solution?
Screening is ideal for early detection of oral cancer, an identifiable pre-malignant lesion frequently precedes it, and the progression from dysplasia takes from two to eight years to take place. Only oral screening can identify the pre-malignant lesion. In other words, if you get your oral screening done regularly, chances are you may learn of oral cancer in its early stages and save yourself a lot of time, money, and regret.
What Happens During A Screening Process?
The doctors screening for oral cancer is just a precautionary medical procedure. During the screening, the dentist will initially look at all the parts of your mouth to see if he/she can find any asymmetries or abnormalities. Then the dentist will use specialized tools and complete the process, so you may want to close your eyes when you see something shiny.
Post Oral Cancer Screening, What’s Next?
The only thing more difficult than sitting through an examination is waiting for the result. We hope the dentist can conclude that everything, and if so, you will be asked you come in for further screening at regular intervals. Do not worry about the results of these screenings if you do not consume tobacco and alcohol; because both increase risks of oral cancer.
Are you worried and nervous about an oral screening? You can visit Porter Smiles Dental, and our dentists will make sure you relieve your anxiety before conducting any tests. Call us now at 281.519.7200 to book an appointment.