Your dentist is an important member of your healthcare team. Dentists are often the front-line professionals who screen for and detect oral cancer. During a routine checkup, dentists can perform a quick evaluation for early signs of malignancy.
Oral cancers make up about three percent of all cancers in the United States. According to the National Institutes of Health, over 49,700 people are diagnosed with mouth cancer each year. Sadly, almost 8,000 people will die of the disease. Early diagnosis is critical with oral cancer. When detected in the early stages--while still localized--the five-year survival rate is 75 percent. Once the cancer has spread, the survival rate drops to 20 percent.
Once you're comfortably seated in the chair, your dental examination will include a visual screening for two abnormal lesions, or patches, which may indicate the potential for mouth cancer:
Along with regular dental exams, you should be aware of other signs and symptoms of oral cancer. The Mayo Clinic lists the following:
If you experience any of these signs or symptoms for more than two weeks, call your doctor or dentist. The cause can be something simple, such as an infection, but it's important to get a medical evaluation.
Your dentist may also ask you some questions about your medical and social history. People who are at risk for oral cancer may have a history of:
Oral cancer can be serious. With routine examinations, your dentist serves as the first medical expert in keeping you--and your mouth--healthy.
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