Oral cancer is an insidious illness that strikes more than 50,000 Americans annually. More than 10,000 US patients die of the disease each year, making it one of our nation’s most serious health threats. That’s why your family dentist in Norman joins with his colleagues in urging you to get an oral cancer screening soon. The few minutes the test takes could make a lifetime’s worth of difference for your health and well-being.
A Problem You Dare Not Ignore
One of the most troubling things about oral cancer is the way it often goes undetected until it reaches an advanced stage. In fact, most cases of the disease could be successfully treated if they were only caught in time.
Part of the problem is that most people are untrained in spotting the telltale warning signs of the condition. We get so busy in our day-to-day activities that we fail to notice an oddly colored or misshapen growth. Or, if we do see the problem, we assume it’s nothing serious and it will go away on its own.
Sometimes this is true, of course. Not every bump or sore in your mouth or on your lips is oral cancer. But the consequences of being wrong are too serious to ignore.
This is why oral cancer screenings are now a standard part of every dental exam performed in the United States. Here’s what you can expect during one of these examinations:
- Your dentist will check your mouth, tongue, palate, lips, throat, and face for indications of the disease. He or she may use a special light or dental rinse to distinguish a cancerous lesion from an ordinary blemish.
- If your dentist suspects the presence of oral cancer, then he or she will remove a tiny sample of tissue for a lab to biopsy. This is typically a painless process that takes only a moment.
- In a few days your dentist will receive the test results. If the presence of cancer is confirmed, then your dentist may refer you to an oncologist (cancer specialist) for a follow-up exam and treatment.
Treating Oral Cancer
Cancer therapy has made great leaps forward in the past 10 years. Today’s doctors have access to a wider range of therapies than ever before. Here are some of the many options available:
- Traditional approaches like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation: these are the most common treatments for oral cancer. They have a strong track record for success, especially when the illness is caught early.
- Targeted drug therapy: this approach differs from standard chemotherapy by zeroing in on cancer cells specifically. Not only can this lead to more effective treatment, it can spare the patient many of the unpleasant side effects associated with older anti-cancer drugs.
- Immunotherapy: this approach uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer, much like the way it combats infectious diseases.
- Alternative or complementary therapies: these may include diet, exercise, or spiritual practices like meditation. There is some evidence that they can help patients achieve better treatment outcomes, especially when used alongside conventional forms of therapy.
Oral cancer doesn’t have to be a death sentence for all patients. Early detection greatly increases your odds of beating the disease and living a long, healthy life. Make an appointment for a screening with your dentist. You’ll soon be enjoying better health and greater peace of mind.
About the Author
Dr. Bobby J Carmen is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He’s highly skilled in many aspects of the dental profession, including oral cancer screenings. You can reach his office online or by calling (405) 364-2200.