During routine dental examinations, your dentist may look for signs of oral cancer. Oral cancer refers to cancers in the tongue, mouth, lips, jaw, and throat. Many San Luis Obispo dental patients don’t realize the seriousness of oral cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 39,000 people will get oral cancer this year.1
Consider this grave news from the Oral Cancer Foundation:
“The death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of cancers which we hear about routinely such as cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, laryngeal cancer, cancer of the testes, and endocrine system cancers such as thyroid, or skin cancer (malignant melanoma).”2
When your dentist provides an oral cancer screening during your dental examination, he/she will look for red or white spots, bleeding, lumps, difficulty swallowing, loose teeth, any color changes, and mouth sores. Is is important to tell your dentist if your bite has changed, if you have sores that won’t heal, and prolonged hoarseness. An earache in only one ear can also be an indicator.
The existence of any of these symptoms does not mean you have oral cancer, as they can be caused by any number of other conditions. However, if your dentist does something unusual, he/she may order additional tests or refer you to a medical doctor for further diagnosis and treatment if required.
Tobacco Use Increase Your Risk
It’s probably no surprise that the main risk factor for oral cancer is tobacco use. This includes all forms, not just cigarettes. Those who consume excessive amounts of alcohol are also more likely to contract this deadly cancer. People with HPV, a sexually-transmitted virus, have a higher risk and prolonged sun exposure to lips makes lip cancer more likely. All of these previously mentioned factors are lifestyle-related and, to a great extent, preventable. People who don’t use tobacco or drink heavily are statistically far less likely to get oral cancer and a myriad of other health issues.
Schedule an Oral Cancer Screening at Deborah McNeil-Amorteguy DDS
For more information about oral cancer screening, contact Deborah McNeil-Amorteguy DDS at 805-543-3016. If you are looking for an experienced dentist who provides comprehensive general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Doctor Deborah McNeil-Amorteguy. Doctor McNeil-Amorteguy has been serving the San Luis Obispo area since 1988.
1“Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer,” The American Cancer Society, January 6, 2015, http://www.cancer.org/cancer/oralcavityandoropharyngealcancer/detailedguide/oral-cavity-and-oropharyngeal-cancer-key-statistics, accessed on January 9, 2015.
2“Oral Cancer Facts,” http://www.oralcancerfoundation.org/facts/, accessed on January 9, 2015
Contact Deborah McNeil-Amorteguy DDS:
805-543-3016
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
4472 Broad St, Suite 160
San Luis Obispo, California
93401
