Oral Cancer Screenings: Early Detection for Better Outcomes
Do you know the signs and symptoms of oral cancer? Have you ever had an oral cancer screening? If not, it's time to schedule one at your next dental visit with Starbody Dental.
Oral cancer is one of the deadliest cancers out there, with only a 50% 5-year survival rate. However, when caught early, oral cancer has an 80 to 90% survival rate. That's why regular oral cancer screenings and knowing the signs and symptoms can truly save lives through early detection and prevention.
Your friends at Starbody Dental in Murfreesboro care about protecting your health and want you to be informed. Read on to learn all about oral cancer, including risk factors, signs and symptoms, and how to get screened.
Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth, tongue, lips, gums, lining of the mouth and throat, as well as the tonsils and salivary glands. It's important to understand that oral cancer is not the same as cancers that appear elsewhere in the head and neck region.
While anyone can develop oral cancer, there are some factors that increase your risk:
If you have any of these risk factors, be sure to get screened annually. And if you notice any symptoms (which we'll cover next), contact your dentist immediately. Don't ignore signs that could indicate oral cancer.
Many people are unaware of the common signs and symptoms of oral cancer. That's why screening at your dental visits is so important for early detection. Be on the lookout for any of the following:
If you notice any of the above symptoms, even if mild, contact Starbody Dental right away to get checked. Some oral cancer screenings they offer include an oral exam, oral brush biopsy, and vital staining. These simple tests can detect cancer early when it's most treatable.
Starbody Dental provides oral cancer screenings during your regular dental visits. They even offer advanced Velscope technology, which uses a specialized light to detect abnormalities that may indicate cancer.
Dr. Starbody and her team care deeply about your health and want to make sure you get screened. They know that early detection is critical for better outcomes with oral cancer. Their office provides a judgment-free atmosphere where you'll feel comfortable and at ease while they check for signs of oral cancer.
The skilled dentists at Starbody Dental have advanced training in identifying symptoms. They will work closely with your medical doctor if any concerns come up during the screening. Catching it early is crucial!
The American Dental Association recommends all adults get an oral cancer screening annually for cancer prevention. At Starbody Dental, they can conduct a thorough exam and oral cancer screening in Murfreesboro, looking at all tissues in the mouth for anything indicative of cancer.
For those at high risk for oral cancer, your dentist may recommend coming in more than once a year for screenings. This includes anyone who uses tobacco or drinks heavily. Frequent exams increase the likelihood of detecting cancer in its early stages when it responds best to treatment.
As you can see, oral cancer screenings play a pivotal role in prevention and early detection. Without screenings, abnormal tissue growth can easily be overlooked until later stages when cancer has spread. Don't play games with your health.
Schedule an oral cancer screening at your next dental cleaning and exam. The compassionate team at Starbody Dental is here to help protect your health through regular oral cancer screenings. Give them a call today to make an appointment!
Call 615-896-1330 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
