Oral Cancer Screening You will receive an oral cancer screening as a part of your routine cleaning and exam every six months. This is a basic procedure that is performed to detect symptoms of oropharyngeal cancer so that treatment can start right away. About 53,000 people in America have a form of oral cancer, and about 10,750 of these cases are fatal each year, so early detection is critical. There are several common tests that we can provide as a follow-up if our dentist does note any concerns. We will explain this during your exam at New Life Dental.Oral Cancer ExplanationThe term "oral cancer" refers to various forms of cancer that can affect the pharynx, larynx, and any component of the oral cavity. This cancer can have many different symptoms, such as sores, lesions, swelling, pain and tenderness, loss of mobility, voice changes, ongoing bad breath, and loss of weight. These symptoms can mimic other dental conditions, so screening and follow-up tests are necessary for proper diagnosis. Oral cancer can occur at any age, but it is much more common in older adults. Poor nutrition, high exposure to ultraviolet light, genetic factors, tobacco and alcohol consumption, and other immune diseases can increase your risk of getting oral cancer. This cancer is also two times more likely to occur in males than in females. Screening ProtocolsThere is no standard screening for oral cancer, so every dental office may have a different testing method. Screening may also be more comprehensive based on your specific dental condition and medical history. During your routine exam, our dentist will provide a basic visual check and let you know about any concerns. If there are concerns, our dentist will recommend follow-up testing. The most common oral cancer tests include biopsy, cytology, and stains or dyes. Biopsies are used to collect cells from inside unusual lesions. The cells are then observed with a microscope. Cytology uses a stick, brush, or piece of cotton to collect cells from the surface of the lips, tongue, and other parts of the mouth. Stains and dyes are either blue or fluorescent colors that cause abnormal tissue to have a different appearance than normal, healthy tissue. Diagnostic imaging tests and specialist referral may also be necessary to examine abnormalities. Some diagnostic imaging tests include CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, and x-rays. Abnormal tissue can be identified in these images because, like with stains and dyes, it will look different than healthy tissue. The medical team, which includes our dentist, will also provide a close examination of your throat and nose. This is because cancer can spread and affect the surrounding tissues. Throughout the diagnostic process, we will discuss the many different oral cancer treatment options with you. For instance, some common treatments are specialized therapies and surgery. Therapies include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other targeted therapies. These destroy the cancer on a cellular level. Surgery may be needed to remove cancerous tissue or reconstruct tissues that have been warped or lost due to the oral cancer. For more information on oral cancer screenings, call New Life Dental at (227) 258-3188 today. |
 Office HoursMon-Thu: 8:00am - 5:00pm *Closed for lunch 12-1pm Mon, Tues, Thurs & 1-2pm Weds Fri: Closed |
