Mouth or oral cancer is a deadly disease, but it can be treatable when it is detected in the early stages. Unfortunately, many people do not have any symptoms in the first phases of the disease. Oral cancer screening is the best way to identify signs early when the disease is the most treatable. At Southern Oaks Family Dental Care, we offer oral cancer screening as part of our preventive dental care options at our clinic in Baton Rouge, LA.
According to the American Cancer Society, there are over 50,000 new cases of oral cancer reported each year in the U.S., and an estimated 10,000 people that die from this disease. While treatment is very effective in the first stages of the disease, diagnosis often does not occur until it has progressed or spread to other areas of the body. Dentists can provide the best chance for catching oral cancer in the early phases. Screening can be performed in a few minutes during annual dental exams.
Identify Mouth Cancer Early
During oral cancer screening, our dentist will carefully check the oral tissues for any signs of abnormalities. These signs can include white or red spots, lumps, sores and any changes in the tissue. These tissue abnormalities may be very tiny and not noticeable to the naked eye. If there are any concerning signs of mouth cancer, patients will be referred for further testing to determine the cause of the abnormalities.
Early detection of oral cancer can save your life. If you have any symptoms of oral cancer, you should see your dentist or doctor immediately. While many people do not have symptoms, if you have any of these, you should have them checked by a doctor:
- Lumps in your oral cavity
- Oral sores that do not heal within two weeks
- An ongoing sore throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Discolored tissue – white, red or other discolorations
At Southern Oaks Family Dental Care, we are dedicated to helping keep our patients healthy. Preventive oral care can help protect your smile and your overall health. To schedule your next checkup and oral cancer screening, contact our dental center in Baton Rouge, LA.
