Oral Cancer Screening
ORAL CANCER SCREENING
Vital Part of Your Dental Exam
When you visit Dr. Karanvir Sibia at Ace Dental in Roseville, an oral cancer screening might not be top of mind, especially if you’re a non-smoker. However, these screenings are a crucial part of every routine dental exam, regardless of your smoking history.
Early detection and treatment are vital for oral cancer. To ensure any potential signs are caught promptly, Dr. Sibia utilizes both established, trusted methods and the latest technology during your oral cancer screening.
What is oral cancer?
Oral cancer is an aggressive cellular growth that can damage tissues in your mouth, throat, or sinuses. It’s particularly dangerous because it often presents without symptoms or pain in its early stages. Without treatment, oral cancer can spread significantly, commonly to the lymph nodes and deeper structures.
Who is at risk for oral cancer?
While habits like smoking and heavy alcohol consumption increase your risk of oral cancer, it’s important to know that over 25% of all oral cancers occur in non-smokers and occasional drinkers.
However, the risk is significantly higher for those who use tobacco products. For instance, pipe, cigar, or cigarette smokers are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than non-smokers, and chewing tobacco users also face an elevated risk. Other factors that increase risk include a family history of cancer, excessive alcohol consumption, and prolonged sun exposure.
How can I prevent oral cancer?
To reduce the risk of getting oral cancer, you should limit your exposure to the sun, and wear sunscreen when you are outside. Drink alcohol in moderation, and don’t smoke or use smokeless tobacco products. You should always try to stay healthy by eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet
Learn more about how to prevent or treat oral cancer!
What are the Symptoms for Oral Cancer?
Many patients have oral cancer and don’t even realize it until a dentist or doctor diagnoses it. However, if you have any of the below symptoms, you should see Dr. Sibia to be checked for oral cancer right away:
- A sudden hoarseness or change in voice
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- A chronic sore throat
- A constant feeling that something is stuck in the back of the throat
- Sores in or around the mouth, face, or neck that bleed easily and don’t heal within two weeks
- Numbness or tenderness in the head or neck
- Difficulty chewing, speaking, swallowing, or moving the jaw or tongue
- Red or white patches in the mouth
- A lump, bump, or rough spot in or around the mouth
What kind of screening will Dr. Sibia do for oral cancer?
During your routine dental cleaning and exam, Dr. Sibia will perform a thorough oral cancer screening. He begins by physically examining your neck, head, and oral cavity for any lumps or irregularities. A visual inspection of your mouth will also be conducted to check for any sores or discolored tissue.
To ensure early detection, Dr. Sibia also incorporates advanced dental technology. This includes using special ultraviolet light or similar devices to identify potential signs of cancer that might not be visible to the naked eye.
What happens if Dr. Sibia thinks I might have oral cancer?
If Dr. Sibia finds suspicious tissue, he may perform an oral brush biopsy (painless cell sample) or a scalpel biopsy (requires local anesthesia) for lab analysis. A follow-up visit may be scheduled to monitor the area.
Early detection is crucial. With over 40,000 U.S. diagnoses in 2014, prompt action can make a significant difference. If you have concerns or want a screening, call Dr. Sibia at (916) 772-0111 today.