At present, there is no national screening program for oropharyngeal and mouth cancer. Because of this, the responsibility falls on your shoulders to make sure that you are screened for oral cancer. The benefits of this cannot be undervalued, and we will discuss them in further depth within this article!
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer includes cancers of the back of the throat and the mouth. Oral cancers can develop on the area of the throat, at the back of the mouth, at the base of the tongue, under the tongue, on the tissue lining of the gums and mouth, and on the tongue. Screening is imperative to detect oral cancer.
What Is An Oral Cancer Screening?
Screening means testing people that could be in the early stage of cancer. This is before they have any symptoms. Additionally, this will determine whether or not there are any signs of cancer that need to be explored further. Early detection is imperative to ensure that treatment is provided as soon as possible.
For screening to be useful, the tests need to be something that the individual is willing to do. For this to happen, it is vital to understand why screening is important and what it does, which is what this article is all about. It would be best if you also were in good overall health before taking part. Furthermore, the screening needs to be reliable at picking up cancer.
Oral cancer screening is essentially a test that a doctor or a dentist carries out to view signs of cancer or any precancerous conditions. The aim here is to identify any signs of mouth cancer early, as this is when there is going to be the greatest possible chance of a cure.
Do You Need An Oral Cancer Screening?
A lot of dentists will examine your mouth when they are carrying out a routine checkup on your mouth and teeth. They will look at your mouth’s condition to make sure that there are no signs of oral cancer. Many dentists will carry out extra tests to help determine any areas that have abnormal cells within your mouth. This highlights why it is so essential to make sure that you commit to regular dental checkups.
A lot of medical companies disagree on whether individuals who are healthy without any risk factors for mouth cancer need to have screening. However, there is certainly no harm in getting screened for oral cancer. Furthermore, it can help you stay on top of your health and pick up on any signs before they can get worse.
To conclude, doing regular checks for all types of cancer is essential and is highly recommended. When it comes to oral cancer screening, this is something that your dentist will be able to do when you go for a routine checkup, so make sure you are committed to these checks.
Final Thoughts
We hope you were better able to understand how an oral cancer screening can be beneficial for you. If you are looking to get oral cancer screening, you have come to the right place! Hermosa Dental is here to help with all of your dental needs! We are your local dentist in the Houston area, and we look forward to helping you on your dental journey!