General dentists check for signs of oral cancer during each oral examination, and many also provide more extensive oral cancer screenings for patients who are at a higher risk of the condition. This review provides answers from a general dentist to frequently asked questions about oral cancer.
When discussing oral cancer with their dentist, many patients have questions about what exactly oral cancer is, what the early signs of oral cancer are, how it is diagnosed, and what treatment options may be available. While it is best to schedule a consultation with a general dentist for more in-depth answers, the following is a brief overview of questions and answers about oral cancer.
Oral cancer occurs when cancerous cells develop inside the mouth, generally in the squamous cells. Oral cancer can develop anywhere inside the mouth. This includes the cheeks, gums, tongue, hard palate, and bottom of the mouth.
The symptoms of oral cancer may look different for every patient who has it. However, some of the more common signs of oral cancer in the earlier stages are:
Early signs of oral cancer can also disguise themselves as symptoms of other oral health concerns, which is why regular check-up visits and routine oral cancer screenings with a general dentist are strongly encouraged.
General dentists often detect oral cancer during an examination. If they suspect oral cancer may be present, then they may order a biopsy and blood tests for confirmation. A routine oral examination is likely to detect oral cancer in many cases, but a more comprehensive oral cancer screening might be necessary for certain instances. It is important to be proactive about any signs of oral cancer to ensure the earliest possible treatment intervention.
The treatment options for oral cancer depend on the location of the cancer and its severity. Some of the more common treatments utilized for oral cancer are surgical procedures such as tumor resection and Mohs micrographic surgery, among various other possible surgical solutions. Therapies that are often used to treat oral cancer include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. It is common for therapy and surgery to be combined into a single treatment plan for oral cancer, especially for cancer that is in an advanced stage.
Here at our dental practice, we offer oral cancer screenings. If you would like to schedule an oral cancer screening or have additional questions, then feel free to reach out to us today. We also provide regular check-up and cleaning visits, among numerous additional preventive and restorative treatment options.
Request an appointment here: https://sylmardentalandbraces.com or call Sylmar Dental & Braces at (818) 362-8333 for an appointment in our Los Angeles office.
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