Oral Cancer Screenings at a Dentist’s Office Save Lives

Did you know an oral cancer exam at your Shelby Township dentist could be life-saving? According to statistics, one American dies every hour from oral cancer. While these numbers are concerning, the silver lining is that oral cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Patients diagnosed at an early stage have an 80-90% survival rate because treatment is most effective before the cancer spreads to other areas of the body.

When was your last oral cancer screening? If it’s been years or you’ve never been screened, now is the time to take action. It’s never too late to protect your health. Dr. Ban R. Barbat includes oral cancer screenings as part of your routine dental check-ups. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward safeguarding your smile and overall well-being.

What are the symptoms of oral cancer?

Mouth cancer can manifest in several areas of the mouth, including lips, gums, palate, throat, and tongue. While the following signs don’t mean you have mouth cancer, you should visit a dentist for scrutiny.  

  • Persistent sores or ulcers that don’t heal within two weeks
  • Red or white patches in the mouth
  • Unexplained bleeding
  • Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
  • Difficulty swallowing or persistent ear pain
  • Unexpected weight loss

Although smokers, heavy drinkers, and persons aged 40 and above have an increased risk of mouth cancer, regular screenings are essential for everyone. Ideally, an oral cancer screening should be conducted annually. However, if you fall into a higher-risk category, your dentist might recommend check-ups every six months to ensure early detection and intervention.

What can I expect from oral cancer screening?

Mouth cancer exams are painless, non-invasive, and fast—they can be completed in as little as five minutes. The first part of your exam is an inquiry into your medical history and lifestyle. Be as honest as possible with Dr. Barbat because this helps personalize your treatment. 

The next part is a visual exam. Before this procedure, the dentist will request you remove your aligners, dentures, and other removable appliances to get an unobstructed view of your oral structures. The dentist will visually examine your lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, and other oral structures for signs of cancer. Oral cancer manifests as patches, sores, lesions, and bumps, so we’ll watch for these. Next, the dentist will use gloved hands to palpitate your neck and jaws to feel the presence of any unusual masses or bumps. 

Sometimes, special lights and dyes are used to separate abnormal tissues from healthy ones. Our mouth cancer screenings are thorough, leaving nothing to chance. 

Can I screen for oral cancer at home?

Dentists spend many hours each day for years examining patients for oral cancer. We are trained to identify what to look for during an examination, which is why we detect several issues you may not have noticed at home. While conducting self-checks at home is okay, this shouldn’t substitute for professional exams. 

Ready to schedule your dental exam and mouth cancer screening?

Did your last dental exam include a mouth cancer screening? Dr. Barbat offers all the general care you need to keep your smile and overall health at its optimal best. Call (586) 551-7255 to schedule an appointment.Â