April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, making it the ideal time for you to think about this serious disease and take steps to fight it. Although most people believe they aren’t at risk for oral cancer simply because they do not smoke, that is a serious mistake! Anyone can develop cancer, regardless of their lifestyle, habits, gender, or age. Taking the time to visit your dentist in Carrollton for an oral cancer screening could aid in early detection and perhaps even save your life!
Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer
You should always be on the lookout for any changes in your body that might point to a medical problem. Some common signs and symptoms of oral cancer include:
- A sore throat that won’t go away
- Odd lumps or swelling in or around the mouth
- Patches of discoloration in or around the mouth
- Stiffness in the jaw or neck
- Unexplained voice changes
- Loose teeth or teeth that no longer fit properly together
- The sensation that something is caught in the throat
- Unexplained weight loss
Of course, you may be diligent about paying attention to the messages your body is sending, but sometimes, the signs of oral cancer are extremely subtle. Especially when the disease is in its earliest stages, you might not be aware that anything is wrong. That’s one reason why it’s so important for a professional to screen you for oral cancer at least once a year. Dentists and hygienists are specifically trained to spot areas of concern, so they might be able to alert you to a problem well before you would have noticed it on your own.
Early Detection Saves Lives
The overall 5-year survival rate for individuals with oral cancer is 65 percent. However, the survival rate is much higher — over 80 percent — when the disease is diagnosed in its early stages. Individuals who neglect regular screenings and give the cancer a chance to spread to distant parts of the body have a survival rate that is below 40 percent.
Clearly, early detection is one of the key factors in an oral cancer patient’s long-term survival prospects. Furthermore, if the cancer gets caught early on, treatments tends to be much less extensive and invasive than in more advanced cases. Sometimes, surgery is all that is necessary to remove a small abnormal growth. Conversely, advanced cancer often may require multiple surgeries along with chemotherapy and radiation.
It is in your best interests to get screened for oral cancer. The process is quick and painless, and it could even save your life!
About the Author
Dr. Moji Chandy is a general dentist who has been helping patients achieve better oral and overall health for more than 12 years. She includes an oral cancer screening as part of a routine preventive checkup in her office. If it is time for your next screening, or you have any concerns about your oral health, Dr. Chandy and our team are ready to help. Contact our office at 972-492-6700.