Performing Oral Cancer Screening Is Routine Business for Dentists

Screening for oral cancer is another exam performed by dentists to identify early signs of cancer or precancerous lesions in the mouth. The aim behind oral cancer screening near you is to identify cancer in the mouth early when the chance of curing the condition is higher.

Performing oral cancer screening is routine business for dentists who evaluate your mouth for cancerous lesions during your regular visits. Dentists may use additional tests to help identify abnormal cells in your mouth.

The medical fraternity disagrees with healthy people without any risk factors for mouth cancer require oral cancer screenings. Not a single test or examination has proved conclusive as reducing the risk of oral cancer. However, your dentist may determine that a comprehensive oral exam or a particular case is appropriate for you based on your risk factors.

If you are advised to undergo oral cancer screening by your doctor, you can have the screening performed by the Solana Beach dentist. The screening aims to detect mouth cancer early when the condition or lesions are easy to remove, and the treatment is most likely to succeed.

Studies haven’t proven that oral cancer screening is useful for saving lives. Therefore many organizations don’t accept the benefits of an oral exam for cancer screening. Differences exist between various groups, some of whom agree, and the rest disagree.

If you are at a high risk of oral cancer, you may benefit from the screenings. Factors that may increase your chances of developing oral cancer include:

o  Excessive use of alcohol.

o  History of exposure to sunlight increases the risk of lip cancer.

o  A cancer diagnosis was performed earlier.

o  The use of tobacco in any form makes you susceptible to this problem.

Over the last few years, the number of people diagnosed with oral cancer has risen significantly, although no reasons are identified for the increasing numbers. Many cancers are associated with STDs, such as HPV. If you are concerned about the risks of oral cancer, you must discuss your situation with your doctor or dentist. They can advise how you can reduce your risks with screening tests that are appropriate for you.

The exams for oral cancer screening has some shortcomings because the screening could lead to further tests being required. Oral exams cannot determine whether any sores in your mouth are cancerous or benign. Many people have ulcers in their mouths, but most of them are non-conscious.

If your dentist detects an unusual sore, you are recommended further testing to determine the reasons for the same. The optimal way to confirm whether you have oral cancer is to perform a biopsy of any abnormal cells detected and test them for cancer.

Oral cancer screening doesn’t detect mouth cancers. Merely looking at your mouth doesn’t help the dentist to see areas of abnormal cells. Therefore the possibilities of tiny cancerous or precancerous lesions going undetected remain high.

When performing oral cancer screening, the Solana Beach dentist looks over the inside of your mouth for red and white patches or unusual mouth sores. Your dentist feels the tissues in your mouth, checking for lumps or other abnormalities. Suppose the dentist discovers abnormal areas. In that case, they will recommend a follow-up visit in a few weeks to verify whether the bizarre site still exists or to perform a biopsy for laboratory testing to determine whether cancer cells are present in your mouth.

Oral cancer screening does not cost you additional money and is performed during your routine visits for cleanings and exams. Therefore you shouldn’t fear undergoing the exam because it is for your good.