Get an Oral Cancer Screening at Every Dental Exam
Oral cancer is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that affects thousands of people each year. Detecting it early is essential for better survival rates and successful treatment. That’s why our Arlington dentist, Dr. Macalik, makes oral cancer screening a priority during your regular dental check-up.
Learn more about oral cancer screenings below.
What Is Oral Cancer Screening?
An oral cancer screening is a quick and simple procedure that can be performed during your regular dental check-up. Dr. Macalik is highly experienced in recognizing the signs of good oral health and potential issues. During your screening, she’ll look for abnormalities or changes in your mouth that may indicate oral cancer.
How Is an Oral Cancer Screening Done?
During your dental exam, Dr. Macalik will ask about changes in your medical history and any new symptoms you’ve noticed. She’ll then carefully examine your mouth, lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, and throat. She’ll also palpate your neck and jaw for any abnormalities or lumps.
Oral Cancer Symptoms
While getting regular oral cancer screenings is essential, it’s also important to be aware of the common signs and symptoms of oral cancer. Recognizing these symptoms and getting prompt medical attention can improve your chances of successful treatment. Look out for these signs:
- Persistent mouth sores or irritation that don’t heal within two weeks
- White or red patches in the mouth
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Numbness or loss of feeling in an area of the face, mouth, or neck
- Chronic sore throat or a feeling of something caught in the throat
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Hoarseness or a change in voice
- Dramatic weight loss without a known cause
If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to consult with Dr. Macalik for further evaluation.
What Causes Oral Cancer?
The exact cause of oral cancer isn’t fully known, but specific risk factors can increase your chances of developing it. Here are some common causes and risk factors linked to oral cancer.
- Tobacco use: Smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or using smokeless tobacco significantly increases the risk of developing oral cancer.
- Heavy alcohol use: Regular and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of oral cancer, especially when combined with tobacco use.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: Certain strains of HPV are associated with oral cancer, particularly in non-smoking adults.
- Age: The risk of developing oral cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring in people over 40.
- Gender: Men are more likely to develop oral cancer than women.
- Sun exposure: Prolonged and unprotected exposure to the sun can increase the risk of lip cancer.
It’s important to note that while these items increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer, anyone can be affected, even without these factors.
How Is Oral Cancer Treated?
Oral cancer treatment typically depends on the cancer stage, location, and the person’s overall health. Options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination.
The goal of treatment is to remove or destroy cancerous cells while preserving the function and aesthetics of the mouth and surrounding areas. If you’re diagnosed with oral cancer, Dr. Macalik will work closely with an oral surgeon or oncologist to develop a personalized treatment plan that best suits your needs.
Contact Our Experienced Arlington, TX, Dentist Today!
At Alana K. Macalik, DDS, our team is committed to offering comprehensive oral health care, including thorough cancer screenings. Don’t wait for symptoms to show up; call 817-496-7899 or contact us today to schedule your next appointment!
