Oral Cancer Screening in Houston, TX
Dentist in Houston, TX routinely identify mouth cancer, and standard dental checkups may include an oral cancer screening. Oral cancer screening can detect symptoms before they become visible. Early detection allows for rapid treatment with a better prognosis. In this article, we will discuss the prevalence, risk factors, and importance of oral cancer screenings.
During an oral cancer screening, your dentist will examine your whole mouth, not just your teeth, for precancerous or cancerous diseases. They’ll be looking for concerns like:
- Sores or ulcers that show no sign of healing.
- White patches on the tongue or gums.
- Indications of unexplained bleeding.
- Blocked salivary glands.
Prevalence of Oral Cancer:
The lifetime incidence of having oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer is around one in 59 for males and one in 139 for women. These are the average risks, although other variables can influence your chance of acquiring mouth and throat cancer.
Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is a dangerous disorder that affects a large number of individuals worldwide. While anybody can acquire oral cancer, some variables raise your chances of having the condition. Tobacco usage is a major risk factor for developing mouth cancer. If you smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products such as chew or snuff, you are more likely to get mouth cancer.
Heavy alcohol usage is another significant risk factor for mouth cancer. If you drink significantly regularly, you are more likely to acquire this form of cancer than someone who does not consume alcohol excessively. Other risk factors include HPV (human papillomavirus) infection, a compromised immune system caused by sickness or drugs, poor diet, and sun exposure, which raises the risk of lip cancer.
The Value of Early Detection
Early identification of oral cancer is critical for effective treatment and better results. Regular oral cancer screenings detect suspicious lesions or anomalies that might signal the existence of cancer or precancerous diseases. Detecting oral cancer at an initial stage raises the chances of less aggressive treatment options, better preservation of oral function, and improved quality of life.
Regular oral cancer screenings enable you to become more aware of the symptoms of mouth cancer. This helps to foster a proactive approach to their dental health. It is critical to raise knowledge about the risk factors and symptoms of oral cancer. This knowledge enables you to make educated lifestyle decisions. It also motivates you to seek medical treatment when needed.
