Screening for oral cancer at Stoneycreek Village Dental saves lives
Although oral cancer is a deadly condition, the survival rate of its patients can be improved by 80-90% when the disease is caught early. Since mouth cancer symptoms are subtle until the condition is full-blown, routine oral cancer exams at a dental office can be a lifesaver. Dentists like Drs. Yohannes Melkie and Alan Chan are on the front line in discovering oral cancer before it advances.
While mouth cancer risk is common in smokers and patients with a history of alcohol abuse, the disease can strike patients outside these risk groups. Since everyone is at risk of oral cancer, it’s vital to schedule routine checkups, regardless of your age or lifestyle.
Common symptoms of oral cancer
While only a medical practitioner can tell whether your symptoms are related to mouth cancer, there are signs you can keep your eyes peeled to seek proper treatment. The common symptoms of mouth cancer include:
- An abnormal lump
- A mouth sore that doesn’t heal
- Sore/red or white patches
- Persistent hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
Mouth cancer is deadly because it’s often diagnosed too late. You can be part of the solution by reducing the risk of being diagnosed with late-stage disease. Please schedule bi-annual appointments with Stoneycreek Village Dental for early mouth cancer detection.
What to expect during an oral cancer screening
Since mouth cancer is serious, you may think that the screening usually takes hours. You are mistaken. A typical mouth cancer exam won’t take more than 10 minutes! The first part of your screening is a visual examination of your face, lips, mouth, nose, and neck to detect abnormalities. Visually, your dentist can spot lumps, swellings, sores, and colour patches associated with mouth cancer. If you wear dental appliances, your dentist will request you remove them to have an unobstructed view of your mouth.
After a visual examination, a physical exam is necessary as not all lumps can be seen with the naked eye. Your dentist uses fingers to feel for lumps in your neck, mouth, and throat. If we find abnormalities, we will recommend a biopsy for an accurate diagnosis.
Detect oral cancer early with routine screenings
Due for an oral cancer screening in Fort McMurray, AB? Please dial (780) 666-7327 to schedule an appointment with Stoneycreek Village Dental for routine oral exams.
